Man who died in alleged hit and run named

Brian Darby was described by his family as an "absolute gentleman"

A man who died in an alleged hit and run crash has been named by police.

Brian Darby, 60, died when he was struck in the Myton Way/Rings area of Ingleby Barwick, near Thornaby on Friday.

Mr Darby's family said in a tribute he was "an absolute gentleman" and "a proud grandad".

Two men, aged 29 and 56, were charged with one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder. They will appear at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday.

In a tribute Mr Darby's family said they were "completely heartbroken".

"Nobody could ever understand just how much he meant to us all," the tribute said.

“He was special in so many ways. He was an absolute gentleman who cared so much about people. He always made time for us, nothing was ever too much trouble for him.

“Brian lived life to the full, he never wasted a moment. He loved to socialise and everyone adored being around him. Brian was also a proud grandad and his future with his grandchildren has now been taken away from him.

“We are grateful for the kind words of support from the community but we respectfully ask that we are now given some privacy to allow us to process what has happened as a family.”

The incident happened shortly before 23:35 GMT on Friday and involved a white Citroen Berlingo van. A van was found abandoned nearby.

Three other people were injured.