Police hunt for driver involved in accident

THE hunt for a driver who left a pedestrian injured in the road is today continuing.

It has now been more than a week since the 27-year-old suffered head and leg injuries when he was struck by a car early in the morning, on Ravensworth Road, in Birtley, Gateshead.

But there have still been no arrests in connection with the suspected hit and run. And Northumbria Police is continuing to investigate the incident.

Residents have told how they heard shouting and tyres screeching as the drama unfolded, at around 5am on Sunday, September 22.

And then families awoke to find an area of Ravensworth Road cordoned off with police tape.

The victim was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle by ambulance.

Locals were told by police that a man had been hit by a car, but that his injuries were not life-threatening.

One man, who did not want to give his name, told the Chronicle: “I heard some shouting, which is not unusual round here, I didn’t think anything of it.

“Then I heard the screech of tyres. The police wouldn’t say anything at all.”

A woman, who had been to church near the scene, added: “The police told us someone had been hit by a car.

“They had blocked all the road off. It was quite shocking. We said a prayer for him.

“It’s terrible, this road. The speed limit is 20mph but some people think it’s 50 or 60.”

Police have appealed for witnesses. Anyone with any information is asked to call Northumbria Police on 101 quoting log 236 of September 22.