Police were on Sunday still trying to trace relatives of a man who died in an accident involving a taxi manoeuvring in a crowded city centre.

Scots-born Dennis Gillespie suffered head injuries in the late night accident and was confirmed dead on arrival at the University Hospital of North Durham in Durham.

Witnesses described seeing the 64-year-old pedestrian crossing the cobbled area of Durham city Market Place shortly before the collision, just after 10pm on Friday, Dec. 21.

It appeared that he changed direction before falling and being struck as the taxi, a Ford Mondeo driven by a 27-year-old man from the Belmont area of Durham, attempted to manoeuvre in the Market Place.

Police said it appeared the man fell "for some reason" and was therefore not seen by the taxi driver.

Inspector Tony Bell, of Durham Police, said last night that various attempts were made over the weekend, without success, to trace relatives of Mr Gillespie.

"We are satisfied with the identity of the deceased, but so far we have been unable to discover any relatives he may have had.

"He was born in Perth, Scotland, but is known to have travelled throughout Britain during his life.

"His last address known to us was a hostel in Newcastle, where he was staying two weeks ago." Insp Bell said since leaving the hostel, in Westmoreland Road, it is not known where Mr Gillespie has been staying.

He asked anyone who may know of any relatives of Mr Gillespie, or any witnesses to the accident, to contact Durham Police, on 0191-386 4929.