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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Harriet Brewis

Melissa Tate: First picture of girl, 10, who died in suspected hit-and-run in Newcastle

Melissa Tate, 10, was killed in a suspected hit-and-run (Picture: PA)

A 10-year-old girl who died after being struck by a car in Newcastle has been named by police as Melissa Tate.

Melissa was rushed to hospital after the suspected hit-and-run at around 6.40pm on Wednesday on Hillsview Avenue, Kenton.

She died of her injuries the following afternoon, a spokesman for Northumbria Police said.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and remains in custody.

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Chief Inspector Chris Grice said the schoolgirl’s family had been left "devastated" by their loss.

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."

Melissa's family are devastated at the loss of the schoolgirl (PA)

Northumbria Police previously said the driver of the car, a Renault Kangoo, had stopped shortly after the fatal crash and left the scene on foot.

Mr Grice added: "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 cars at the scene on Hillsview Avenue in Kenton (PA)

A second 23-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and remains in police custody.

Two women, aged 28 and 31, who were arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice have been released under investigation.

On Thursday, flowers and messages were left yards from the site of the crash in tribute to the Melissa.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting 923 25/09/19, or report it online via the Northumbria Police website.

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