An investigation into the death of a 73-year-old man, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident, is to be re-opened.

A lack of evidence meant no charges were brought against two men who were believed to be in the Ford Sierra which struck widower Jimmy Mulligan.

It is understood neither of the men - aged 18 and 20 - would admit to being behind the wheel when the car crashed into a bus-stop, killing the pensioner.

Northumbria Police said it has asked the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for an independent review of the evidence.

We felt the case was being swept under the carpet because he was an old man of 73

Keith Mulligan, son

Mr Mulligan was killed as he waited with his 84-year-old friend Ivy Clark at a bus stop in High Heworth, Gateshead, on 1 May this year.

Mrs Clark suffered bruising and leg injuries and was later released from hospital.

The two men in the car ran away from the scene, but were later arrested. No charges were brought.

Mr Mulligan's family vowed they would take out a private prosecution against the pair.

His son Keith, 50, said the family were hoping for justice after Northumbria Police asked the CPS to carry out an independent review of the evidence.

'Glimmer of hope

He said: "We felt the case was being swept under the carpet because he was an old man of 73.

"But now we have a glimmer of hope that something will come out of this.

"If not we are still seriously thinking of bringing a private prosecution."

Mr Mulligan branded the people responsible for killing his father "the scum of the earth" for leaving him dying and Mrs Clark badly injured.

He added: "They must have no value at all for human life."

A force spokesman said: "Northumbria Police has asked the Crown Prosecution Service for an independent review of the evidence in the Mulligan case."