POLICE have arrested a 63-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Nathan Ariss, 36, was killed after he was hit by a car on the A184 Felling bypass near Wardley at 12.30am on Saturday.

A man and a woman, both aged 40, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released under investigation.

Officers have now traced a second vehicle and released the third suspect under investigation.

Police want to speak to anyone who took a black Peugeot taxi from Newcastle city centre to the South Shields area shortly before midnight on Friday, December 13.

Inspector Dean Hood, of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department, said: “We believe the other vehicle involved in this tragic collision was operating as a taxi and had just taken some passengers to South Shields, from Newcastle.

"When it was heading back to Newcastle, we believe it has collided with Nathan Ariss.

“While we are still interested in hearing from anyone who might have information about this incident, we are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who got in to this taxi that night, as they might have information which can help us with our investigation.”

Officers would also like to reiterate their plea for dashcam footage from anyone who was in the area at the time of the collision.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or email 7638@northumbria.pnn.police.uk quoting log 615 181219.