A MAN was arrested in hospital early today on suspicion of dangerous driving after what police described as a fatal hit-and-run accident.

It followed the death of the driver of a Ford Escort car as a result of a collision with a BMW on the A19 dual carriageway.

Northumbria Police said both cars were travelling south, when, "for reasons yet to be established", the black BMW Z4 collided with the rear of the Escort.

Both cars went off the road and after emergency services arrived on scene, the Escort driver was declared dead.

He was said to be in his 20s and from the Sunderland area.

The BMW driver was said to have left the scene, on foot, but he was later traced to Sunderland Royal Hospital where he was arrested for causing dangerous driving.

He was treated for chest injuries and remains in hospital today.

Police accident investigators have appealed for witnesses to the crash to come forward, and, in particular have asked for information from anyone aware of the movements of the BMW both before and after the crash.

The road was closed for seven hours for an investigation into the cause.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the force's motor patrols unit, at Sunderland, on 08456 043 043, extension 66735.