Overview
- Northumbria Police confirmed that 39-year-old Claire Laybourne from Hebburn died in hospital on December 6 after a collision the previous night.
- The crash involved a Volkswagen T‑Roc and a black Skoda Fabia on the northbound A19 at about 10:40pm on December 5 near Holystone.
- Officers say the Skoda driver did not stop and is believed to have fled the area on foot, travelling north.
- Three men in their 20s and 30s were arrested in connection with the incident, including one on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and all have been released on police bail.
- Detectives are seeking witnesses, especially anyone who saw a black Skoda Fabia with a 24‑plate in the area, and ask people to contact Northumbria Police quoting reference NP-20251205-1124.