A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a man died in a suspected hit-and-run on the A19. 

Police and paramedics were called to the major route, near the Hylton Grange Interchange in Sunderland, on Tuesday (December 3) after concerns were raised for a man's welfare. 

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the man, who was aged in his 40s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Northumbria Police launched an investigation, saying it believed the driver of a 2014 model or more recent Spirit Blue Ford Fiesta left the scene after being involved in the incident.

It is understood that the incident took place overnight.

Now, the force has confirmed that a man, aged in his 20s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Dave Roberts, of Northumbria Police, previously said: “This is a tragic incident where a man has sadly died. We have launched a full investigation to determine the chain of events which led to his death."

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He continued: “Any information – no matter how insignificant it may seem – could prove vital in helping us ascertain exactly what took place."

If you have any information about this incident, you can get in touch with Northumbria Police by sending a private message on social media, or by visiting the live chat and report forms on the Force website.

For those unable to contact the Force this way, call 101. Please quote reference number NP-20241203-0186.