THE pensioner who died in a hit and run smash has been named.

Harold Thompson, 74, was crossing Stamfordham Road in Denton Burn, Newcastle, when he was knocked down.

A silver BMW car ploughed into him at around 4.15 on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Thompson, from West Denton, was taken by ambulance to Newcastle General Hospital with head, leg and chest injuries, but died later that night.

The driver of the car is thought to have slowed down following the impact but then sped off - leaving Mr Thompson dying in the road.

The BMW was found, crashed and abandoned, later that night by police officers.

Insp Bill Went of Northumbria Motor Patrols North said: "We have a vehicle that we believe as involved, but we cannot say for sure until forensic tests are complete.

"We are now searching for the driver of this car to speak to him about this incident which we are treating as a hit and run.

"It wasn't raining, but the road was damp and it would have been beginning to get dark.

"There would have been quite a few people about at that time and we want to hear from anybody who might have seen anything.

"We already have a number of people to interview today about what happened on Saturday, but we would ask anybody else who witnessed the crash to come forward.

"We also want people who might have any information about the BMW - whether they saw it before or after the time of the incident - to get in touch."

An incident room has been set up at Etal Lane Police Station. Anyone with any information on the crash should call 0191-221 8740.