A teenager was arrested today over the death of a grandfather in a hit-and-run crash just hours after his family made an emotional plea for the driver to come forward.

Bernard Darby, 75, died after a stolen car ploughed into him as he made his way over a pedestrian crossing in Marton Road, Middlesbrough, earlier this month.

The vehicle, which had been taken from the Guisborough area, was discovered on fire shortly afterwards in a nearby street. Mr Darby, of Penrith Close, Redcar, who was married and had six grandchildren, died in the intensive care unit at Middlesbrough General Hospital.

A statement issued by Cleveland Police on behalf of Mr Darby's wife Connie, children Jill, Andy, and Carolyn, and six grandchildren aged 11 to 21, pleaded for the car's driver to come forward.

It said: ''Our dad was a well-loved husband, father and grandfather whose death has devastated all those who knew him. He was a man who adored his family and would do anything for anybody.

''We have been inundated with cards and tributes since his death, but they can do little to take away the pain and despair we feel.

''We cannot forgive those who left our dad to die, we can understand how they may have panicked and they are now too frightened to come forward, but all they are doing is prolonging our pain.

''Our dad was a man who would do anything for people in the community, we are now asking those in the community to help us.''

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said this afternoon: ''Police hunting the people involved in the hit-and-run death of grandfather Bernard Darby have arrested a 17-year-old Middlesbrough youth on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

''He is currently being held in custody at Middlesbrough police station where he is helping police with their inquiries. He is expected to be interviewed later this afternoon.''

Earlier this month two 17-year-old youths were charged with being carried in a stolen vehicle.

They were arrested along with two youths aged 16 and 18 in connection with causing death by dangerous driving and all four have been bailed pending further inquiries.