A MAN died in a crash in the early hours of this morning in South Shields.

Shortly before 4.15am today, Northumbria Police received a report of a collision on Chichester Road where a white Audi S3 had collided with a house. 

Emergency services attended but the male driver was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and a formal identification process is ongoing.

A female passenger was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries. It was also later established another man, a passenger, had left the scene of the collision but had been located in hospital with serious injuries.

Nobody inside the house was injured but significant damage was caused.

Chichester Road remains closed between the junctions of Westoe Road and Dean Road as officers carry out enquiries.

Officers would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who may have information, dashcam footage or CCTV of the incident.

Inspector Phil Baker, of Northumbria Police, said: "This is very serious incident which has sadly resulted in the death of a man. A formal identification is now underway and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

"Enquiries are now being carried out to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and the events that preceded it.

“If anybody saw what happened, or has CCTV from the area that could help our investigation, I would ask them to contact police as soon as possible. Even the smallest detail could be crucial to the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 85 24/01/20 or via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.