Suspected hit and run driver found after pedestrian dies

A teenage driver police believe may have hit and killed a pedestrian in Te Puke overnight has been found.

Peter Simpson, 40, from Te Puke died almost instantly when he was hit from behind as he and a friend walked on Tauranga East Road about midnight.

The driver of the car which hit him did not stop.

Police said today they had found the vehicle and the driver they believe was involved.

The driver, a 16-year-old, was being interviewed.

- NZPA