THE family of a 70-year-old man who died after the Jeep he was driving crashed into a metal railing have paid tribute to him.

Christopher Richard Sewell, also known as Ritchie, was driving a Jeep Renegade when it crashed into a metal railing at the junction of Hart Lane and Jesmond Gardens in Hartlepool.

Mr Sewell was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident, which happened at about 3pm on Tuesday (April 2).

In a statement his family said: “Our dearly loved Ritchie will be greatly missed by our family, friends and his beloved dog.

“He was a keen dog walker and would even take friends and neighbours dogs for walks.”

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said their thoughts remain with Ritchie’s family and friends at this difficult time.

  • Anyone with dashcam footage or information regarding the vehicle prior to the collision is asked to contact PC Andy Lawson from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit on the non-emergency number 101, quoting event number 054839.