A MAN was killed when he was knocked down by a runaway car near his home.

Leo Scurr, 56, of Newcastle, was making his way to work when the driverless Ford Fiesta rolled down a hill on Thursday and hit him.

He was walking down Atherton Drive to catch a bus when the accident happened at 7.10am.

Police have taken the car away to examine it, but it is believed the driver had left the handbrake off. The road was closed for more than three hours.

Inspector Alistair Oates said: "This is a tragic accident. We are carrying out a full investigation into what happened. The Ford Fiesta car involved belonged to a carer."

Witnesses are asked to call police on 0191-214 6555 ext 62780.