A MAN in his 70s died in a car crash in a Northumberland town as police launched an appeal for information.

Shortly after 11.35am on Saturday, June 15, police received a report of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian on the A696 in Ponteland, near the junction with North Road.

It was reported that a black Range Rover had been travelling in an easterly direction outside of St Mary’s Parish Church when, for reasons yet to be established, it struck a male pedestrian.

Emergency services attended the scene where the pedestrian – a man in his 70s – was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

The driver of the car remained at the scene and assisted officers with their enquiries.

Road closures were in place for approximately five hours.

Officers from Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit have launched a full investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision – and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Sergeant John Sanderson, of Northumbria Police, said: “Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the man’s family and loved ones following this devastating incident.

“We will continue to support them in any way that we can.

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

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

“We know this is a busy area, and the collision happened while there were lots of people and vehicles in the town centre.

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

Anyone with information or footage should get in touch using the ‘Report’ page of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101, quoting log number NP-20240615-0397.