Northumbria Police have charged a man after a 10-year-old girl was killed following a hit and run.
At about 6.40 pm on Wednesday (September 25), police received a report that a 10-year-old girl, who has now been named as Melissa Tate from Kenton, had been seriously injured following a collision on Hillsview Avenue in Kenton.
She was rushed to hospital by paramedics, but sadly she died on Thursday afternoon.
On Friday, police charged Connor Marsden, 23, of Ambridge Way in Kenton, with causing death by dangerous driving, failure to stop and several other driving-related offences.
Northumbria Police Chief Inspector, Chris Grice, said her family were “devastated” by what has happened and asked the public to respect their privacy.
He said:
“This is understandably a difficult time for the family, and it is something that nobody should have to go through.
“Specialist officers have been supporting them since Melissa was involved in the collision on Wednesday night and they continue to do so.
“We will remain with them over the coming days and weeks and will be on hand to help them in any way we can.
“This incident has had a big impact on the community in Kenton, and I know that residents will come together to support Melissa’s family.
“However, I would ask that people respect their privacy at this time and allow them to grieve as a family.”
Police also arrested a second 23-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender.
He has now been released under investigation.
Two women – aged 31 and 28 – also arrested by police on suspicion of perverting the course of justice have also since been released under investigation.
Anyone with any concerns or information about the incident can report it by calling 101 and quoting log 923 25/09/19 or reporting it online at the Northumbria Police website.
You can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
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