Police are appealing for information after an elderly pedestrian died following a collision earlier today (Saturday November 16).

A report was received of the accident involving the female pedestrian and a van, in South Shields, at 11.35am.

It was reported that a green and white Mercedes van was travelling in a southern direction on Centenary Avenue when, for reasons yet to be established, it struck the pedestrian in the road.

The Northumbria force said: “Emergency services attended the scene where the pedestrian, a woman in her 80s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”

(Image: Northumbria Police) Her next of kin have been informed of her death and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

The driver of the van involved remained at the scene and is said to be assisting officers with inquiries into the fatality.

A section of the road was closed for about five hours following the incident, but it has since been re-opened.

Officers from Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit have launched a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

(Image: Northumbria Police) Sergeant Dave Roberts, of the unit, said: “I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the family of the woman who sadly passed away.

“We will continue to support them in any way that we can.

“A number of inquiries are underway as we try to establish exactly what has happened in the moments leading up to the collision.

(Image: The Northern Echo) “As part of this, we are keen to hear from any motorists who were driving in the area at the time, and any other witnesses who may have seen what happened.

“We know this is a busy area, and the collision happened while there were lots of people and vehicles nearby.

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“We’re especially keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage.

Sgt Roberts added: “Your information, no matter how small it may seem, could prove to be really valuable to our investigation.”

Anyone with information or footage should get in touch with the force by sending a direct message on social media, or by using live chat and report forms on the Northumbria Police website.

 

Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101. Please quote reference number: NP-20241116-0402