'Hit and run' couple named

Stephen and Julie Smith were killed instantly

Police are trying to find out why a couple came to be walking along a stretch of dual carriageway when they were hit and killed by a car.

A taxi driver discovered the bodies of Stephen Smith, 34, and Julie Smith, 35, beside the A1231 near its junction with the A195.

The couple are understood to have been returning from a night out in Washington, Tyne and Wear, when the accident happened in the early hours of Sunday.

A 25-year-old woman later reported the incident to police.

The car was badly damaged in the incident

She was arrested and later bailed to return to the police station next month.

Inspector Gavin Clarke said the woman was extremely shocked by the incident.

He said: "It is an offence to leave the scene of an accident, even if there has only been damage to vehicles.

"In this case we will be speaking to the woman involved when she answers bail in December about this matter.

"It has to be remembered she was alone on a dark dual cariageway in the middle of the night. She felt the best thing to do was go home where she knew she could raise the alarm.

"It would have taken her a few minutes to get there and she called us when she arrived.

"We now know that Mr and Mrs Smith were in the dual carriageway as she came towards them.

"The driver was breath tested and it proved negative. She was very shocked indeed by what had happened."

Short cut

Mr and Mrs Smith lived at Horsley Road in Barmston Village, Washington.

The spot where the couple were hit is between two subways connecting the Barmston and Concord districts of the town.

Local people said crossing the A1231 is a common short cut.

Northumbria Police confirmed the couple were knocked over on the eastbound carriageway and are appealing for witnesses.