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An elderly man in his 80s has tragically died following a collision on the A1 near the Metrocentre earlier today (Monday).

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 10:15 AM after reports of a serious collision involving a pedestrian and a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) on the southbound carriageway. The Great North Air Ambulance was also in attendance, but despite their efforts, the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Initial investigations suggest the man may have been linked to a white Ford Edge vehicle that was parked nearby.

Both sides of the A1 were closed for several hours to allow emergency services to attend and for investigations to take place. The road closures caused significant delays, with motorists advised to seek alternative routes. The northbound carriageway reopened earlier, and the southbound carriageway was reopened at approximately 2:30 PM.

The driver of the HGV remained at the scene and is assisting police with their inquiries.

Appeal for Witnesses

Northumbria Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Sergeant Dave Roberts of the Roads Policing Unit said:

“Firstly, our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

A range of enquiries are underway as we work to understand what led to this tragic incident.

We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the vehicles involved – a Scania HGV and a white Ford Edge – in the area at the time.

If you have any dashcam footage or information that could assist with our investigation, please come forward.”

How to Help

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police via their website, social media channels, or by calling 101. Please quote reference number NP-20241125-0254.

This is a developing story, and our thoughts are with the man’s family and everyone affected by this tragedy.

Pottsi P.
1 week ago
Found an instructor quickly. Julie was a fantastic teacher all the way through and set me up perfectly to pass first time. Special shout out the guys in the office and to Lisa who squeezed me in for a few last minute drives before my test.

Highly recommend.

Tom
Garry D.
7 months ago
recommends
Highly recommend Shift Driving School. They were an absolute pleasure to deal with from start to finish. Special shout out to my instructor Hassan, who taught me from scratch in just under 6 months. I had no previous driving experience at all and he talked through the steps and skills needed clearly, always supportively pushing me to be my best. Delighted to have passed at first attempt! Couldn’t have done it without the team at Swift and Hassan. Thank you!
Abigail L.
2 weeks ago
10/10 experience learning to drive with Julie! She was patient and very lovely, she gave me the confidence I needed to pass my test. I really enjoyed each of my lessons and will miss them! I would recommend this school to anyone
Denise W.
1 year ago
recommends
I 10000000% recommend this driving school my instructor has been appsalutly amazing he had so much patience and really helped me through all my lessons then he recommend me a nervous course which really helped me as I really struggled with my nerve on my test but I finally done it and passed my test and I wouldn't have been able to do it if it wasn't for lewis so thank u sooooo much :)
Izzy B.
3 weeks ago
I've had an absolutely fantastic experience with Shift from start to finish. I was assigned an instructor incredibly quickly after my first enquiry, and from the very first lesson to passing my test (first time with no faults!) I was supported incredibly well.

Simon helped me go from someone that had panic attacks after attempting lessons a few years ago, to being so confident behind the wheel that I have no reservations about going out and driving.

It was an absolute pleasure learning to drive with Shift and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone.
Webdeco.
2 years ago
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What a great company to not only learn to drive with, but to actually work with too. We would highly recommend Shift without a doubt.
Lankaji L.
3 weeks ago
I had an excellent experience with Shift Driving School. My instructor, William Stanton, was professional, patient, and incredibly supportive throughout my lessons. He explained everything clearly, helped me build confidence step by step, and always made sure I understood not just how to drive, but why things are done a certain way.

Thanks to his guidance, I passed my test on the first attempt! I highly recommend Shift Driving School to anyone looking for a calm, knowledgeable, and reliable instructor.
Josh A.
4 weeks ago
Today I passed my test!! I've have really enjoyed my lessons with Shift! There was a little bit of a wait but now I know why. I passed first time with my instructor (I had two because my availability changed) and you can tell by the way all of the instructors are with eachother that this is just a great school. The app is really good too. Would definitely recommend Shift Driving School.
Emily A.
1 month ago
10/10 experience when learning made sure I was confident and cool ready for the test . Entirely grateful for the pass !!!very grateful for the help of Lewis as an instructor!!!
Shannon H.
2 months ago
Absolutely amazing driving school! Simon was brilliant from start to finish, and I couldn’t have wished for a better instructor. I had a previous bad experience with a different driving school which left me feeling anxious and lacking in confidence, but from my very first lesson with Shift, Simon made me feel at ease and supported me all of the way through. He has such a lovely, calm manner, is suuuuuper patient, and has an amazing way of explaining things differently if you don’t quite understand or if something isn’t sticking. My work shifts changed quite a lot due to changing jobs mid-way through my lessons however Simon was so good at swapping things about in order to fit my schedule and really did whatever he could to allow me to get the most out of my lessons.

I Just passed my test first time and I owe all of my credit to Simon. Lewis also sat in for a mock test last week, and he was also amazing - super calm and made me feel really at ease. Could absolutely not recommend learning with this driving school enough, and I’m going to really miss my lessons with Simon going forward! This is such a big achievement for me and I can’t thank the driving school and Simon enough ☺️❤️