THE devastated family of a great-grandfather who died in a hit-and-run accident are considering bringing a private prosecution after the case against the two men in the car was dropped.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it sympathised with the family of widower Jimmy Mulligan, 73, who was hit by a Ford Sierra as he waited at a bus stop with his 84-year-old friend, Ivy Clark.

But it said the case could not proceed against two men who were arrested afterwards, because there was not enough evidence.

Neither of the men, aged 18 and 20, would admit to being the driver of the car at the time it crashed, on May 1.

The father-of-four, who had nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, was a popular figure around the Windy Nook area of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear.

Mr Mulligan's daughter, Carolyn Lynch, 52, said the family would await the outcome of an inquest, likely to be held in November, and then consider bringing a private prosecution.

She said: ''If the verdict is unlawful killing, then we can take a private prosecution out.

Mrs Lynch said that her father's friend, Mrs Clark, was still suffering from the effects of the accident.

A CPS spokeswoman said yesterday: ''We can understand how Mr Mulligan's family will be feeling and would be happy to explain to them in more detail the reasons why no-one can be prosecuted for this serious crime.

Inspector Tony Hoy, of Northumbria Police, said: ''The CPS have reviewed the case and decided no further action will be taken against the two who were on police bail. Our inquiries have concluded.''