Driver hunted after fatal crash

The road was closed in both directions

Police are trying to trace a car driver who drove off from the scene of a crash in which two people were killed.

The incident happened just before 1400 BST on Wednesday on the Great North Road northbound, next to Barras Bridge, near the Town Moor, in Newcastle.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said it involved three vehicles one of which, a Jaguar saloon, made off from the scene.

The drivers of the other two cars were killed in the incident. No further details about them are being released.

Road closed

The spokesman said officers were currently making inquiries to trace the car, believed to be a Jaguar saloon, and its occupants.

Insp Paul Gilroy said: "We believe it's based in the East End of Newcastle and it will have damage to its near side where it scuffed the barrier as it left the scene.

"And I would ask anybody who knows of such a vehicle or sees such a vehicle parked in the street with damage consistent with that to contact us as soon as possible."

The Great North Road was closed in both directions from the central motorway to the Blue House roundabout.

Police have set up an incident room and are appealing for any witnesses to contact them.