Emmerdale star Chelsea Halfpenny pleas for help after hit-and-run leaves her granddad in 'critical condition'

Police have arrested four men after former Emmerdale star Chelsea Halfpenny made an emotional plea to find whoever was responsible for a hit-and-run on her 85-year-old grandfather.

The soap star’s granddad, 85, was hospitalised on Friday following the incident in Gateshead, leading the distraught actress to plea for fans to help share any information — shortly before four culprits were arrested.

Northumbria Police said the victim remained critically ill in hospital after he was knocked down in the Leam Lane area of Gateshead at around 7.30pm on Friday.

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Halfpenny, who played Amy Wyatt on the ITV soap between 2010–2013, shared a social media appeal on Sunday, which read: "There are 4 lads who all have Mams, Dads, aunties, uncles, and friends.. so there are a LOT of people in a very small area that have information on what happened last night. DO THE RIGHT THING.

“You have left somebody in a critical condition. You will be found. Group of 18/19 year olds, one with fair hair who came back to where the 85-year-old victim was lay bleeding and PICKED UP THE PIECES OF THEIR DAMAGED CAR AND DROVE AWAY."

The Casualty star went on to brand the suspects: "Scum of this earth," and went on to describe their car.

Fans were quick to share the information online as they pleaded for those in the Gateshead area to stay alert.

On Tuesday, Northumbria Police said four men aged 30, 25, 23 and 18 have been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and the oldest man remained in custody.

A spokesman said: “The victim remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital. “Officers are continuing to carry out a range of inquiries into the incident.”

A Northumbria police spokesperson shared full details of the incident and said: "Officers investigating a suspected hit and run which seriously injured a pensioner have released a description of the vehicle believed to be involved.

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"At around 7.30pm on Friday, police were contacted by the ambulance service who were in attendance at the scene of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian on Woodburn, Gateshead.

"It is believed an 85-year-old man had been crossing the road when he was struck by a car which has then left the area. The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remains in a critical condition."

The statement continued: "Officers have been carrying out a number of enquiries to trace the driver and issued an appeal for information shortly after the incident.

"The car involved is believed to be a silver or grey Mercedes and was last seen travelling on Staneway, Gateshead, heading towards Wealcroft."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, use the Tell us Something page online or email 2367@northumbria.pnn.police.uk quoting log NP-2022—0225-0977.

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