A WOMAN was seriously injured during a hit-and-run collision in Sunderland.

Police received a report that ‘pick-up style’ van had struck a pedestrian on Chester Road, at 3.25pm on Friday.

The truck did not stop at the scene and an investigation has been launched to trace it and identify the driver.

The 26-year-old female pedestrian has been taken to hospital with serious injuries but they are not believed to be life-threatening at this stage.

A full road closure was put in place on Chester Road.

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: “Enquiries into the circumstances around the collision are ongoing but a witness has reported to police that the pedestrian may have been a victim of a theft in the moments before the collision.

“Now officers are appealing for anyone who saw the collision to get in touch with police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 673 14/09/18 or can alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.