Police from Newcastle Local Area Command are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash that occurred in Shortland early today.

About 3.30am (Monday 15 June 2015), emergency services were called to Sandgate Road, near Marion Street following reports of a single car crash.

On arrival officers located a vehicle that had crashed through a school fence and into a tree.

The 41-year-old driver from Wallsend was not able to be revived.

A crime scene has now been established while police conduct a full investigation for the information of the coroner.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible. Local diversions are in place while the investigation continues.