Police appealing for further witnesses

POLICE are trying to piece together the final moments of Nigel Li’s life after he was killed on the A19.

The 32-year-old, from Ponteland, was hit by a car on the main carriageway between Seaton Burn and Moor Farm roundabout.

Police have several witnesses to the incident, but have shared the details of Nigel’s final moments in the hope more will come forward.

Mr Li drove to work in Wallsend at around 7.40am on Thursday, January 3. Police say there was a “very minor” collision between his silver Volkswagen Golf and a white Ford Transit van, probably on Seaton Burn roundabout. Mr Li and the driver of the van both pulled into a lay-by, where police believe there was an altercation between the two.

Superintendent Simon Hall said: “Some kind of disagreement went on in that lay-by and the tragic consequences were that Nigel ended up on the carriageway, was hit by a vehicle, and tragically lost his life.”

The 37-year-old van driver was arrested on suspicion on manslaughter and later released under investigation.

Supt Hall confirmed police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

The driver of the black Volkswagen which hit Mr Li was not arrested.

Supt Hall said everyone connected with the incident stayed at the scene as police arrived.

Anyone who saw the collision should call police on 101, quoting reference 507 03/01/19.