The family of the horse and trap driver killed by a hit-and-run driver have urged the man to turn himself in.

Wayne Walker, 33, of Springwell Village, Washington, Wearside, was driving his horse and trap along Washington Highway on Sunday lunchtime, when it was involved in a collision with a Honda Accord. The car driver fled the scene and was last night still at large.

Yesterday, Wayne's father, Joe and his partner of five years, Deborah Jennings, broke their silence to appeal for the driver to give himself up, so Wayne's body can be released for burial.

Miss Jennings, 26, said: "We cannot bury Wayne until this person is found or hands himself in."

She is being consoled along with the couple's two-year-old son, Nathan.

"We have a two-and-a-half year-old son who hasn't got a daddy any more," she said. "This person left Wayne dead on the side of the road ran scared."

His father, Joe, 60, who worked with Wayne as a roofer, said: "Whoever is hiding this man should turn him in. He is not worth protecting."

Their were four people in the Accord. Police detained a female passenger at the scene. The three other occupants fled on foot. Officers later arrested two males, but are still searching for the driver.

Sergeant Phil King, of Northumbria Police said he believes the driver is a Sunderland resident. Officers yesterday called at several Wearside addresses and warned those who are harbouring the fugitive to turn him in.

They believe that the Accord ploughed into the back of Mr Walker's trap as the driver tried to undertake a silver coloured car that was in the outside lane of the dual carriageway.

Police are still keen to trace the occupants of the silver car. Anyone with information is asked to contact the motor patrols division, on 0191-454 7555, extension 66391.