AN inquest has been opened into the death of a college lecturer who was killed when he was hit by a car the week before Christmas.

James Gibson, 28, suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a blue Jaguar in Grange Road, in Hartlepool, at around 5.30pm on Wednesday, December 19.

A 58-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after the crash and was released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Hartlepool coroner Malcolm Donnelly opened an inquest into the death of the Hartlepool Sixth Form College teacher on Friday (January 4).

The inquest was adjourned while police carry out further investigations.

Mr Gibson, who was from Jarrow, South Tyneside, was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton, after the incident last month but died shortly after his arrival at the hospital.

Police are still appealing for information from any witnesses of the incident.

Anyone with any information should contact Sergeant Harry Simpson, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, on the non-emergency 101 number, quoting reference number 226563.

A date has yet to be set for the full inquest.