AN attempted murder investigation has been launched after a man was seriously injured after being hit by a vehicle following a disturbance in Sunderland. 

Police attended an address in Crieff Square just after 12.30am yesterday, where they found a man in his 30s with multiple injuries. 

His injuries were consistent with having been in collision with a vehicle. He remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

A black 2003 BMW X5, which is believed to have been used in the incident, was later found burnt out in the Wendover Way area of Witherwack.

Detective Inspector Sean Mcguigan, of Northumbria Police’s Southern CID, is now eager to hear from anybody who has seen the vehicle driving in the Sunderland area in recent weeks.

The vehicle is thought to have used two different registration plates over the last fortnight – C16 VEB and WM53 OZD.

“This BMW is a focal part of the investigation which we are now treating as attempted murder,” Det Insp Mcguigan said.

“The victim was left with serious injuries as a result of being hit by a car in the Crieff Square area following a disturbance involving a large group of individuals in the street.

“A team of detectives are carrying out enquiries, but we are now appealing to the public for information on this particular vehicle. We want to know if anybody recognises it, has seen it driving in the Sunderland area or know any individuals linked to it.

“We are treating this incident incredibly seriously and we will take swift and robust action against anybody found to have been involved.

“I would like to thank members of the community who have already come forward with information, and would ask anybody yet to do so to get in touch.”

Yesterday, three men and a woman were arrested on suspicion of affray. They have since been released under investigation.

Anyone with information regarding the incident, or who believes they have seen the vehicle in question over the last fortnight, is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 37 180619 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively you can pass on information by emailing south.intell.unit@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.