The man who died in a collision in Hebburn over the weekend has now been named by police.
56-year-old Gavin Bolam, from Hartleyburn Avenue in Hebburn, died after being hit by a car, which is believed to be a Silver Mercedes C-Class, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The driver of the car did not stop at the scene.
A 39-year-old man who had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released on police bail.
Motor Patrols Sergeant Lee Butler said: “I’d like to express our sincere condolences to Mr Bolam’s family as they deal with this tragic loss.
“We will continue to have officers working with them to offer them support during our investigation. It’s important they now have answers as to what happened which is why it is vitally important any witnesses to this collision come forward and speak to us.”
Police enquiries are ongoing, with police continuing to ask for any witnesses to come forward.
Sergeant Butler added: “We are keen to build a picture of the Mercedes’ movements before the collision and would ask anyone who saw a Silver C-Class in the early hours of Saturday morning to get in contact. We believe the car left the Lakeside Public House at around 12.08am and want to hear from anyone who may have seen it after this time before it hit Mr Bolam.”
Any motorists travelling on the A194, A184 Felling bypass or the road from Heworth to Hebburn through Pelaw and Mill Lane in Hebburn shortly after midnight on Saturday morning are also urged to get in contact.
Officers are also keen for witnesses identified on CCTV in Station Road in Hebburn at around 12.25am to get in contact.
CCTV from a bus travelling in the opposite direction has indicated that there were three vehicles behind the Mercedes shortly before the collision and officers would like to hear from these people.
Any possible witnesses or anyone with any information is urged to contact Northumbria Police on 101.