A pensioner found unconscious at the side of a Hartlepool road has died.

The 72-year-old man was found on Kendal Road at around 3.10pm on Wednesday.

Police are unsure as to how he was found at the side of the road, but have said they cannot rule out he was the victim of a hit-and-run.

The man was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool but was pronounced dead shortly before arrival.

It is believed a post-mortem examination will now be carried out in a bid to determine whether he died of natural causes or as a result of injuries from the accident.

Police would now like any witnesses to come forward as they are unsure as to if any other party was involved.

Anyone who witnessed Mr Wright riding along Kendal Road on Wednesday afternoon, or anyone who has any information as to how he came to be found, is asked to call the Cleveland Police road policing unit on (01642) 301558.