Ten-year-old girl killed in ‘horrific’ hit-and-run in Newcastle

Police arrest four people including man believed to be driver in collision

A 10-year-old girl who died in hospital after a suspected hit-and-run has been named as Melissa Tate.

The schoolgirl was hurt in a collision on Hillsview Avenue in Kenton, Newcastle, at about 6.40pm on Wednesday.

Police said the car, a white Renault Kangoo, was abandoned before the driver fled on foot.

Four people have been arrested, including a 23-year-old man believed to be the driver.

Chris Grice, Northumbria Police chief inspector, said officers have been supporting the girl’s family in the aftermath.

Mr Grice said: “This is a horrific incident that has robbed a family of their little girl and has had a significant impact on members of the community in Kenton.

“Our officers have been supporting her family since last night and were with them when she passed away in hospital.

“They will continue to receive all the support they need and I hope it can bring them some comfort knowing we have a suspect in custody.”

Mr Grice added that extra officers would be conducting patrols in Kenton to speak to concerned members of the public and carry out enquiries following the incident.

“We know this has had a big impact on the community but we know that the public will rally together at this difficult time to support the victim’s family,” he said.

A second 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Two women, aged 31 and 28, were detained on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and remain in police custody.

Police have asked anyone with any dashcam footage that may have captured the vehicle in the minutes before the collision to contact officers.

Yvonne Sample, a resident who lives near where the girl was struck, described the street as "like a race track".

"People are driving by really slowly today, but only because there's loads of police cars and they're worried about being caught speeding," she said.

"Normally it's like a race track. I've been saying for years that unless something is done then someone will get really seriously injured, and unfortunately now it's too late."

Anyone with information on the incident can share it by calling 101 and quoting log 923 25/09/19 or by reporting it online at the Northumbria Police website.

Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Agencies contributed to this report