FRIENDS of a man who died in a crash on the A1 held a ‘drive out’ in his memory on Tuesday.

Motorists drove in a slow convoy past the spot where a 24-year-old man died close to the Angel of the North on Sunday.

Northumbria Police initially said it was aware of a planned demonstration on the bypass but it is understood the event was meant as a mark of respect to the man, who has not been formally identified but is understood to have been known as Curly.

The convoy of motorists driving at slow-speed reached their destination under the watchful eyes of Northumbria Police.

"Motorists using the road at the time are thanked for their patience," said a spokeswoman for the force. 

A 31-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the collision and has been released on police bail, police announced on Monday.

A 24-year-old woman arrested earlier was released with no further action.

Emergency services attended at 5am on Sunday after reports that a car had overturned just before the turn off for the A1231.

A 24-year-old man was taken to hospital in a critical condition but was later pronounced dead.

Another man, aged 20, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The A1 southbound was closed for several hours.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference 238 180415.