AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a male pedestrian in his fifties died in a crash near Haltwhistle.

Police were alerted to the incident which involved two vehicles and the pedestrian, who were all on the A69 at Haltwhistle, between the junction with the B6322 and Melkridge, shortly after 11.35pm on Sunday, May 5.

It was reported that the crash involved a grey Audi A1 and a white Ford Transit van which had been travelling westbound.

Police said that, 'for reasons yet to be established', the vehicles struck a male pedestrian on the road.

Part of the road was closed for several hours between the B6322 and Melkridge junctions and the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Officers from Northumbria Police’s Roads Policing Unit are now also appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Sergeant Andy McNally, of Northumbria Police, said: “First and foremost, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the man’s family following this devastating incident.

“A number of enquiries are underway as we try to establish what has happened in the moments leading up to the collision.

“As part of this, we are keen to hear from motorists who were driving in the area at the time, and any witnesses who may have dashcam footage or CCTV.

“Your information, no matter how small it may seem, could prove to be really valuable.”