Melissa Tate death: Man charged after girl hit by car

Ten-year-old Melissa Tate was pronounced dead in hospital

A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following the death of a 10-year-old girl.

Melissa Tate was struck by a car on Hillsview Avenue, Newcastle, on Wednesday evening. She was taken to hospital, but died on Thursday.

Connor Marsden has also been charged with failing to stop and other driving-related offences.

The 23-year-old appeared at Newcastle Crown Court and was remanded in custody to appear on 28 October.

Mr Marsden, of Ambridge Way, Kenton, Newcastle, faces charges of causing death by driving while uninsured, causing death by driving while not having a licence, failure to report to police following an accident, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and driving without insurance.

No pleas were entered during the hearing.

Floral tributes have been placed at the scene of Melissa's death

A second 23-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released under investigation, Northumbria Police said.

Two women, aged 31 and 28, arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, have also been released under investigation.

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