Man killed in stolen taxi plunge

Version 0 of 1.

A 22-year-old man from South Shields has died after a taxi was hijacked at knifepoint and driven over a cliff.

The Nissan Primera was stolen from its 41-year-old owner at the Coast Road in South Shields.

It crashed through a barrier at Marsden Grotto and plunged 120ft (36m) on to the beach killing Stephen Heslop, of Lincoln Road, who was inside.

It is not yet known whether the crash, on Wednesday evening, was a deliberate act or if Mr Heslop lost control.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "A report was received that a local man had been robbed at knifepoint and his car was stolen.

"This vehicle was then driven off towards Whitburn. It crashed through the barrier and was driven over the cliff and on to the beach.

"As a result of this impact, the occupant was fatally injured. The emergency services attended and the fire service released the man from the car."