Man, 72, dies after van collision

Northumbria Police launched an investigation following the collision

A man has died after he collided with a van in Houghton-le-Spring on Monday evening.

The incident happened at about 18.05 GMT outside of the Best-One shop on Kitchener Terrace in the New Herrington area.

The man, 72, suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Northumbria Police said the driver of the van was assisting officers with their enquiries.

Sgt Steve Chappell from the force said the area had been "very busy at the time" and an investigation was ongoing to establish what happened in the lead up to the collision.

It had been reported that a white Peugeot Partner van had been travelling on the westbound carriageway when it struck a male pedestrian on the road.

'Tragic'

The man’s next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers.

Sgt Chappell added: “This is a tragic incident where sadly an elderly man has passed away.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family as they try to come to terms with what has happened."