The driver of a van that was left abandoned on the Great North Run course is still being hunted by police two days after the incident happened at the race event.
The white van, which had black writing etched into it, was abandoned on the King George Road roundabout on Prince Edward Road in South Shields on Sunday (September 10) morning.
The incident occurred as 60,000 runners were taking part in the world-famous Tyneside half marathon.
Read more: Van deliberately parked on Great North Run course roundabout
It is understood writing on the van was covered up before it was taken away.
On Sunday, police said they did not believe there was any threat to race participants or the public so they left the van where it was until after the event was finished.
It was then taken away by officers from Northumbria Police.
On Tuesday (September 12) a spokesman for Northumbria Police said officers were still trying to trace the driver involved in the incident.
The spokesperson added: "At around 10.55am on Sunday, a van was left abandoned on a roundabout at the junction of Prince Edward Road and Sunderland Road, in South Shields, which is part of the Great North Run route.
Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo here.
“With the support of Great North Run organisers, the van was uplifted after the conclusion of the race, to minimise any potential disruption.
“A number of enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and locate the driver.
“Witnesses with any information should use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or call 101, quoting NP-20230910-0429.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here