A DRIVER has been arrested after a pensioner died when she was struck by a lorry on a busy street.

The 85-year-old pedestrian suffered fatal injuries as she crossed Durham Road in the Low Fell area of Gateshead on Tuesday morning.

She was hit by a Mercedes goods vehicle as she crossed from the direction of the Co-op store, near the junction with Belle Vue Bank at around 11.15am.

The vehicle stopped a short distance away.

A 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released under investigation.

The road was closed for around three hours while the police examined the scene.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Sergeant Dave Clement, from Northumbria's Motor Patrols, said: "We are appealing for any witnesses to this fatal collision to come forward and speak with officers.

"We would also like to thank all the members of the public who gave assistance at the location following the collision until the emergency services attended.

"Specialist officers are supporting the family of the pedestrian at this time."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 and quote reference 330 14/11/17.