Arrest after crash passenger dies

A man was arrested in connection with a crash on North Tyneside in which one passenger later died.

Three men were seriously injured when the Volkswagen Golf left the road at New Hartley, near Whitley Bay, on Thursday night.

A 20-year-old died in hospital. Two others are critically ill.

A 21-year-old arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving has been released on bail while inquiries continue, police said.

Police have urged mourners not to leave flowers at the scene of the crash over fears more people could be injured at the roadside.

Insp Gordon Rea said: "We recognise that often after fatal collisions wellwishers do feel they want to leave a floral tribute at the scene of the collision to pay their respects.

"Following this incident police are asking people not to leave flowers on this stretch of road as we feel it is too dangerous for people to stop at this location and we want to prevent any further injury."

The scene of the crash is a straight stretch of road between two bends.

Northumbria Police has appealed for witnesses to the incident in Hartley Lane at 1955 BST.