A pedestrian was left in a critical condition after being hit by a car on the Great North Road near Jesmond at 2:27 on Thursday morning. Police have arrested five people in connection with the incident.

The 19 year old man involved is said to have been returning from a night out and is currently in hospital with injuries thought to be life-threatening.

Police have confirmed that the car implicated in the event was a silver hatchback, which they have since located.

The collision caused a section of the Great North Road between the A167 Central Motorway and the A189 Grand Stand to be closed for five hours on Thursday morning, disrupting some commuters on their way to work.

Northumbria Police are still appealing for witnesses of the incident and urge anyone who may have information to call them on 101 ext 69191.

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