Credit: Northumbria Police

Police were called to a traffic incident in the early evening of Friday night on Woodburn.

Police officers have been carrying out enquiries Friday night and into Saturday regarding an incident involving an 85 year old man being hit by a car.

The following statement has been released by Northumbria Police.

⏰ 7.30pm
? Today
?Woodburn, Gateshead.

It is believed the pedestrian, an 85-year-old man, had been crossing the road when he was struck by a dark coloured vehicle which has then left the area. He was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

An investigation has been launched and enquiries to trace the driver are ongoing.

Emmerdale actress Cheslea Halfpenny released an emotional statement on social media calling for anyone with information to get in-touch as she revealed her Grandad has been left 'fighting for his life'.

"There are four lads who all have mams, dads, aunties, uncles, and friends so there are a lot of people in a very small area that have information on what happened last night.

"Do the right thing. You have left somebody in a critical condition. You will be found.

"Group of 18/19 year-olds, one with fair hair, who came back to where the 85-year-old victim was lay bleeding and picked up the pieces of their damaged car and drove away. Scum of this earth."

Police are still appealing for any witnesses, or motorists with dashcam footage to get in touch.

Sgt. Michael Parnaby said: "This incident has left an elderly man in a critical condition and it is imperative we find out exactly what happened.''

"I would like to thank everyone who has come forward and offered their assistance to the investigation so far, but our enquiries to trace the driver remain ongoing which is why we have released further details today.

"We believe the car in question was a silver or grey Mercedes, which left Woodburn after the incident, and was last seen on Staneway. We're asking anyone who was in the area, or anyone who thinks they may know the driver, or saw a similar vehicle in the local area, to get in touch with us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information can call 101, use the Tell us Something page online or email 2367@northumbria.pnn.police.uk quoting log NP-20220225-0977.

Chelsea, who was in Emmerdale for many years, is now playing in Waitress, which is coming to Theatre Royal, as Jenna Hunterson.