SMASH TRAGEDY VICTIM NAMED
Police renew appeal for witnesses after ‘devastating’ New Year’s Eve crash claims life of Hendon man
Police have named a man who sadly died in hospital following a serious crash on New Year’s Eve.
At 8.15pm on December 31, 2019, officers were called to Durham Road in Sunderland, following a report of a two-vehicle collision.
The incident happened at Prospect Junction – the junction of the A690 Durham Road and Premier Road.
Emergency services attended and two men and one woman were taken to hospital.
Sadly, on Friday, January 10, one of the men died in hospital from his injuries and police have now identified him as Michael Giblin, 32, from Hendon.
Michael’s family are being supported by specialist officers as an investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Two other individuals who were also taken to hospital following the incident have been discharged.
In the hours after the incident, officers arrested a 22-year-old man but he has since been released under investigation and inquiries continue.
Sergeant John Sanderson, of Northumbria Police’s Operations Department, said: “This was a tragic incident that has sadly resulted in Michael’s death and our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.
“The last two weeks have been absolutely horrendous for his family ever since the collision, and our family liaison officers will continue to offer them any support they need.
“It is now imperative that we get answers and determine the events that led to this devastating collision. We would ask anybody who witnessed the crash, or who was travelling through the area and may have dashcam footage, to come forward.
“We are especially interested in speaking to the occupants of a white vehicle which was facing east at the traffic lights and who left the scene shortly after the collision. They may have seen something that could prove the key to this investigation.”
Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101 quoting the reference number 893 311219.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or send an email to 408@northumbria.pnn.police.uk