Middlesbrough pedestrian critical in hospital after hit and run
- Published
The black vehicle headed off around Newport roundabout after hitting the man
A pedestrian is in a critical condition in hospital after being hit by a car which then drove off, police said.
It happened in Middlesbrough's Newport Road at about 22:30 BST on Friday.
The 34-year-old man was crossing from the direction of Letitia Street when he was hit by what is believed to be a black Volkswagen Passat.
Cleveland Police said the pedestrian was taken to James Cook University Hospital with serious injuries where he remains.
The car was found abandoned just before 23:00 on Derby Avenue, in the Whinney Banks area of Middlesbrough, with what has been described as "extensive damage".
Police said they believe it may be linked to what happened.
Officers are appealing for witnesses "who may have seen the occupants leaving the vehicle" when it was abandoned.
Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage is also being urged to contact police.
Newport Bridge was closed while an investigation was carried out but has since reopened.
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter, external, Facebook, external and Instagram, external. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk, external.