FOUR people have been arrested and bailed in connection with the hit-and-run death of a North-East football fan on Sunday night.

Michael Taylor, known to most as Lee, was hit in West Wear Street, Sunderland, as he celebrated his team staying in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old, of Staindrop, near Barnard Castle, had been on a coach trip to Sunderland for the day and was struck by a car outside the Echo 24 building, between 10.20pm and 11.20pm.

Police yesterday said that three men and a woman had been questioned in relation to the incident.

Inspector Neil Fraser, of Northumbria Police, said: “We have already spoken to a large number of motorists who were in West Wear Street around the time of this incident.

“As a result, three men and one woman have been arrested in connection with this incident and they are currently assisting us with our inquiries.”

Mr Taylor, who was due to celebrate his 24th birthday on Thursday, lived in Cockfield, near Staindrop, for much of his life and was working as a full-time carer to his disabled father at the time of his death.

He was due to move to York after his girlfriend secured him a job as a chef in the hotel where she worked.

Flowers and a football strip were laid at the spot where Mr Taylor, a former Staindrop School pupil, died.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0345-6043043 ext 66735, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.