First picture released of South Shields man, 36, who died after being hit by two cars on A184 - as further arrest made

A 63-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the death of a South Shields man after he was hit by two cars on A184.
Nathan Ariss with fiancée Gemma SmilesNathan Ariss with fiancée Gemma Smiles
Nathan Ariss with fiancée Gemma Smiles

Emergency services rushed to the A184 on Saturday December 14 at 12.30am but sadly the 36-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Police were initially called to reports a dark-coloured car had collided with a pedestrian.

But it is now believed the car struck Mr Ariss after he had already been hit by another vehicle, believed to be a black Peugeot taxi.

A man and a woman – both aged 40 – were initially arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and were released under investigation.

A second appeal was then launched to help police trace the black Peugeot taxi - which officers believe had hit Mr Ariss before he was struck by the dark-coloured car.

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Now a 63-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has also been released under investigation.

A second vehicle, the taxi, has also been recovered.

Officers are now appealing to speak to anyone who took a black Peugeot taxi from Newcastle city centre to the South Shields area shortly before midnight on Friday, December 13.

Inspector Dean Hood, of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department, said: “We believe the other vehicle involved in this tragic collision was operating as a taxi and had just taken some passengers to South Shields, from Newcastle. When it was heading back to Newcastle, we believe it has collided with Nathan Ariss.

“While we are still interested in hearing from anyone who might have information about this incident, we are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who got in to this taxi that night, as they might have information which can help us with our investigation.”

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Officers are also reiterating their plea for dashcam footage from anyone who was in the area.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or email [email protected] quoting log 615 181219.