POLICE have appealed for a driver to come forward following a collision in which a pedestrian died.

The accident happened in Westgate Road, near the Newcastle Tyne Theatre and Opera House, at 1.25am on Saturday.

Alex Kirkpatrick, 49, of Summerhill Terrace, Newcastle, was found lying in the road and taken to Newcastle General Hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries.

He is described as 5ft 10in, thin, with unkempt fair hair. He was wearing a hip- length brown corduroy jacket over an orange shirt and light brown jumper, blue jeans, brown shoes and green striped scarf.

Police are keen to speak anyone in the area at about 1.25am on Saturday.

They would like to speak to the driver of a rigid goods vehicle in Westgate Road at the time. It has a dark cab and a white box section and the driver may be unaware a collision has occurred.

Witness are asked to call 0191-214 6555, ext 62754.