A MAN is has appeared in court this morning charged with causing the death of a ten-year-old girl following a hit and run.

Melissa Tate from Kenton, Newcastle, was seriously injured following a collision on Hillsview Avenue in Kenton, at about 6.40pm on Wednesday.

She was rushed to hospital by paramedics but she died from her injuries on Thursday afternoon.

On Friday, police charged Connor Marsden, 23, of Ambridge Way, Kenton, with causing death by dangerous driving, failure to stop, driving while uninsured, driving without a licence and failure to report an accident to police.

He appeared before magistrates sitting at Newcastle Crown Court.

Prosecutor Keith Laidlaw outlined the case against him.

Janice Hall, his legal representative made no application for bail.

The case against him was adjourned until October 28 and he has been remanded into custody until then.

Chairwoman of the Magistrates’ Win Clayton said: “You are charged with an indictable-only offence, and that is causing death by dangerous driving.

“You will re-appear at this court, acting as a crown court sitting, and that will be on October 28 at 10am.”

It is understood Melissa’s family attended the hearing and sat in the public gallery throughout supported by officers from Northumbria Police.

Chief Inspector Chris Grice said: “This is understandably a difficult time for the family and it is something that nobody should have to go through.

“Specialist officers have been supporting them since Melissa was involved in the collision on Wednesday night and they continue to do so.

“We will remain with them over the coming days and weeks and will be on hand to help them in any way we can.

“This incident has had a big impact on the community in Kenton and I know that residents will come together to support Melissa’s family.

“However, I would ask that people respect their privacy at this time and allow them to grieve as a family.”

Police also arrested a second 23-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender.

He has now been released under investigation.

Two women, aged 31 and 28, also arrested by police on suspicion of perverting the course of justice have also since been released under investigation.

Anyone with any concerns or information about the incident can report it by calling 101 and quoting log 923 25/09/19 or reporting it online at the Northumbria Police website.