Police arrested 19-year-old man over a fatal Newcastle hit-and-run

A 19-year old man has been arrested over a fatal hit-and-run that killed a 55-year old woman near Newcastle.

A teenager has been arrested following a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 55-year old woman and seriously injured three others near Newcastle on Sunday.

A 19-year old man was arrested at a home in Mayfield about 3.15pm on Tuesday, who police believe was behind the wheel of a Holden Commodore involved in the deadly collision.

It is alleged officers attempted to pull over the Commodore with unauthorised plates on Newcastle Rd in Wallsend about 2.40pm on Sunday, but it failed to stop.

A 19-year old man has been arrested following a fatal crash that killed a 55-year old woman and seriously injured three others near Newcastle. Picture: NSW Police

Police claim the driver of the Commodore continued in a dangerous manner, but officers did not pursue the vehicle over safety concerns.

Another police vehicle spotted the Commodore on Newcastle Rd in North Lambton a short time later when it allegedly crossed onto the wrong side of the road then lost sight of the car.

Police received reports there had been a head-on collision between the Holden Commodore and a Hyundai sedan travelling in the opposite direction, killing its 55-year old passenger at the scene.

The 28-year old driver of the Hyundai and two female passengers aged 15 and 17 in the rear of the car were seriously injured in the crash.

They were rushed to John Hunter Hospital by paramedics and remain there in a serious condition.

The driver of the Hyundai was pregnant and lost her unborn child following the crash.

The 19-year old man and his 17-year old passenger allegedly fled the scene before police arrived. Picture: NSW Police

The driver and front passenger of the Holden fled the scene before police arrived.

A crime scene was established a critical incident team from the Hunter Valley began investigating.

Officers from Strike Force Carrarang and Operation UTAH arrested the teen two days after the crash, he was taken to Waratah Police Station where he is assisting police.

Officers also spoke with a 17-year old girl believed to be the front passenger of the Commodore.

A police spokesman said a critical incident team was also investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, which will be reviewed by the Professional Standards Command and Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.

Originally published as Police arrested 19-year-old man over a fatal Newcastle hit-and-run