Alistair Barnett, aged 51, from Whitley Bay, was riding his bike along Monkseaton Drive shortly before 10am when he was struck by what has been described as a black sports hatch which failed to stop, leaving the father-of-two and former Tynemouth Golf Club green keeper, fighting for his life.

Speaking from her home in Cramlington, sister Elaine Harper said her twin remains in Newcastle General Hospital where he is on medication to keep him calm.

"We speak to him but he can't get his words out, we can say he wants to say something. It doesn't seem like my brother.

"They are going to observe him at the moment, to see how he progresses, but looking at him he's not the Ali we know.

"Ali is such an active person, he is a fantastic dad and has two lovely grandchildren.

"He is always out on his bike and I'm not surprised he was out that early in the morning, he loves the outdoors.

Elaine spoke of her upset that those responsible had left her brother for dead.

"When I first visited Ali in hospital I thought the people had obviously panicked and driven off.

"I thought that on the Monday they would have told someone but as the days have gone on I'm really annoyed, really upset.

I would ask them to just please come forward. The family is devastated about what's happened, he's such a lovely man.

"Anybody who knows anything just tell the police or tell somebody. If it was their brother or son or uncle or dad, I'm sure they would want the person responsible to be found.

"They can't just think they can just forget about it and, as time goes on, think that they got away with it because they will be found."

Insp Paul Gilroy, of North Tyneside motor patrols, said: "Police want to trace a black sports hatch type vehicle which was seen in the area of Whitley Bay on Sunday morning mainly in the area of Monkseaton Drive and Earsdon Road.

"We are appealing for the driver responsible for this collision to come forward and assist officers with the investigation.

"Anyone with information about this collision is asked to contact North Tyneside Motor Patrols on 03456 043 043 ext 63848, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."