A schoolgirl who was left fighting for her life after being injured in a suspected hit-and-run has sadly died in hospital.
The 10-year-old girl has this afternoon died in hospital after the collision on Hillsview Avenue in Kenton at about 6.40pm last night.
Police are supporting her family at this difficult time but officers have also revealed they have arrested a person they believe was driving the vehicle involved.
The person behind the wheel of the white Renault Kangoo had fled the area on foot after abandoning the car in the moments after the collision.
An investigation to locate had been ongoing since last night and now they have revealed a 23-year-old man has been brought into custody.
Northumbria Police Chief Inspector, Chris Grice, welcomed the arrest but said nothing the police could do would bring the girl back to her grieving family.
He said: “This is a horrific incident that has robbed a family of their little girl and has had a significant impact on members of the community in Kenton.
“Our officers have been supporting her family since last night and were with them when she passed away in hospital.
“They will continue to receive all the support they need and I hope it can bring them some comfort knowing we have a suspect in custody.”
Ch Insp Grice added: “Extra officers will be conducting patrols in Kenton this afternoon to speak to concerned members of the public and carry out enquiries.
“We know this has had a big impact on the community but we know that the public will rally together at this difficult time to support the victim’s family.
“We would urge anyone who saw what happened, or has information that could help to assist police, to contact officers on 101.”
The 23-year-old man believed to be the driver remains in police custody at this time. A second 23-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Two women – aged 31 and 28 –arrested by police on suspicion of perverting the course of justice remain in police custody at this time.
Anyone with any dashcam footage that may have captured the vehicle in the minutes before the collision are also asked to contact officers.
You can report information by calling 101 and quoting log 923 25/09/19 or reporting it online at the Northumbria Police website.
You can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
