Five people could solve mystery of young Sunderland fan's death

Seven years ago today, 15-year-old Kane Howey Scales was hit by a Volkswagen Passat while on the northbound carriageway of the A1018 Newcastle Road, near the Grange pub, Fulwell.

Kane, who was from Roker, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital but died from his injuries a day later. Scores of floral tributes were left to football-mad Kane, who was a keen Sunderland supporter.

CCTV still released by police of potential witness to crash which killed Kane Howey Scales

Grieving friends left touching messages to the popular youngster, while hundreds of messages of support were left online.

A police investigation into the collision concluded it was an accident and no charges were brought against any of the parties involved.

A subsequent inquest held almost 18 months after the incident ruled Kane’s death was as the result of an accident.

However, the family of the Monkwearmouth School pupil still have unanswered questions around the collision which claimed Kane’s life.

Now, to coincide with the seven year anniversary of the incident, police are appealing for five potential witnesses to the incident to come forward.

The images are taken from CCTV at Simply Food and Drinks, in Newcastle Road, yards from where Kane was injured. It is not believed any of those pictured were spoken to at the time of the initial investigation.

Chief Inspector Nicola Musgrove of Northumbria Police told the Echo: “We know that despite our initial investigation and an inquest by HM Coroner, Kane’s family still has unanswered questions around what happened on the night Kane died and we want to help find them these answers.

“It is incredibly distressing losing a child and we can’t begin to imagine what Kane’s family have been through and how what happened seven years ago changed their lives irrevocably.

“We’re renewing our appeal seven years on in the hope that we can help them find the answers they need..

“We have identified five witnesses who were not spoken to at the time of our enquiries and I would please ask these people, or anyone who knows who they are, to please come forward and speak to us.”

There is no suggestion that the people pictured are in any way responsible for causing Kane’s death.

Any of the people pictured, or anyone  who recognises them, are asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 and  quote reference 1557  120209.