A pensioner has been arrested over an alleged hit-and-run accident.

Police were looking for a driver after an incident on Tuesday in which a car allegedly struck a 70-year-old woman, shattering her hip and knee and causing head injuries.

The incident happened in South Shields, South Tyneside. Police confirmed they had arrested a 67-year-old woman from the town.

A spokesman for South Tyneside's motor patrols unit said: "We received a call last night from a man calling on behalf of his wife.

"Following on from that, we arrested the woman on suspicion of failing to stop after an accident and she was bailed until February while we continue our investigations and speak to other witnesses.

"The woman's car has now been impounded and it will be subject to a detailed forensic examination in due course."

The injured woman, who was 80 on Sunday, was scheduled to undergo an operation on Thursday on her broken hip, but it is likely that further operations will be necessary in the coming days.

The police spokesman said: "She has her family at her bedside, who are very upset by this, but they have thanked the public for their help and support.