THREE people were being questioned last night in connection with a hit and run incident which left a pensioner dead.

Ronald Pearson, 70, died after suffering multiple injuries when a speeding VW Polo struck him near the Billy Mill roundabout, North Shields, North Tyneside, at 10.45pm on Sunday.

Police, who are studying closed-circuit television footage from a nearby garage, are hunting for an H or J registration white VW Polo, which had three occupants.

Inspector Paul Gilroy, of Northumbria Police, said: "It appears this car left the roundabout at speed and struck Mr Pearson as he crossed from the central refuge. He died in hospital of multiple injuries."

Police say the H or J registration car will have had a shattered windscreen, as well as damage to the bonnet, front offside wing, and headlamp.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact police on (01661) 872555, extension 62777