Four arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after Sunderland hit and run

Police were called to Hylton Road just after 9.51pm on Monday, after reports two pedestrians - a man in his 30s and a 38-year old woman - had been hit by a car near Millfield metro station.

The pair are both receiving treatment for serious injuries at Newcastle's RVI, where the man's condition is described as 'critical with life threatening injuries.'

A short time later at 10.25pm, the vehicle believed to be responsible for the collision was found abandoned and on fire on Church Street North.

Four people - three men aged 20, 24, and 36, and a 23-year-old woman - have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and remain in custody.

Supt Paul Milner, of Northumbria Police's Southern Area Command, said: “We want to reassure residents that this was an isolated incident.

"We have additional officers in the area carrying out enquiries. We would ask you to please speak with them if you have any concerns.

"We believe those involved in this incident are known to each other. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this enquiry at this time."

Wendy Solomon, who lives in nearby Granville Street, told of her shock after last night’s incident.

She said: "I heard lots of screaming and shouting, and it was very scary, because the main road is just outside my house.

"At first, I thought it was a terror attack, and then the police cordoned the area off.

"I was in total shock, because this sort of thing just doesn’t happen around here.

"It’s only the second accident I can remember in this area.”

Wendy added: "It was horrendous.

"When I saw the blue lights, I knew something was seriously wrong.

"It’s unbelievable to think this happened just outside my own door."