A MAN from the Durham area was killed when he was knocked off his bicycle by a hit-and-run driver early this morning.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said the accident happened on the northbound carriageway of the A19 - 400m north of the Silverlink roundabout - in North Tyneside, at 7.50am.

The 23-year-old victim, who has not been named, was travelling north when he was struck by an unknown vehicle when did not stop at the scene.

The road was closed for four hours to allow accident investigators to inspect the scene.

Police have appealed for any witnesses who were in the area and may have seen the collision.

Anyone with information should contact 084560043-043 ext 63387.