POLICE investigating a serious injury hit-and-run collision in which two pedestrians were knocked over have made four arrests.

Officers were called to Hylton Road, Sunderland, after a man his 30s and 38-year old woman were struck by a car, near Millfield metro station, just after 9.50pm yesterday.

They are both receiving treatment for serious injuries at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, with the man described as being critical with life-threatening injuries.

The offending vehicle made off from the collision.

A short time later at 10.25pm, the vehicle believed to be responsible for the collision, was found abandoned and on fire on Church Street North, in Sunderland.

Following inquiries by officers four people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, three men aged 20, 24, and 36 years and a 23-year-old woman and all remain in custody.

Superintendent Paul Milner, of Southern Area Command, said: “We want to reassure residents that this was an isolated incident.

We have additional officers in the area carrying out enquiries. We would ask you to please speak with them if you have any concerns.

“We believe those involved in this incident are known to each other. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this enquiry at this time.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 1220 of 02/10/17 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.