A1 closed LIVE: Both directions shut near Metrocentre with police and air ambulance on scene

It is believed the pedestrian was linked to a white Ford Edge car parked close to the collision

Shortly after 10.15am today (Monday), police received a report of a collision involving a pedestrian and a heavy goods vehicle on the A1 southbound, shortly after the Metrocentre junction towards Dunston. For reasons yet to be established, it was reported that a Scania heavy goods vehicle had struck a male pedestrian in the road. It is believed the pedestrian was linked to a white Ford Edge car parked nearby.

Emergency services attended the scene where the pedestrian - a man in his 80s - was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The man's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers. The driver of the heavy goods vehicle remained at the scene, and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

A section of the road was closed in both directions for around four hours, but has since been re-opened.