POLICE are investigating the death of a pensioner who is understood to have collapsed behind the wheel of his car.

The 69-year-old man was pronounced dead at Sunderland Royal Hospital following an accident when his Fiat Panda hit a rock in Sandpoint Road, Sunderland, at 1pm, on Tuesday.

Inquiries have revealed that before the accident, the Wearside man is believed to have fallen overboard from a dinghy in the North Dock Marina, Roker, Sunderland. He was rescued by two people tending to their boat.

Police were yesterday awaiting the results of a post mortem examination to establish the cause of death.

Witnesses to either the incident in the North Dock or the car accident should call Northumbria Police Motor Patrols South, on 0191-454 7555, extension 66391.