Ute driver at large after fleeing scene of fatal Newcastle hit-and-run

A manhunt is underway for a ute driver who fled the scene of a fatal crash in Newcastle this morning.

His white ute crashed into a motorised scooter at Hannell Street in Wickham just after 9am, police said.

The scooter’s 36-year-old female rider was taken to John Hunter Hospital and has since died.

Police are searching for the ute driver after he ran from the scene.

He is described as being about 175cm-180cm tall with short brown hair, and was wearing high visibility clothing at the time, police said.

He also had blood on his face.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.