No contemporary texts mention Sitric and his existence is only evidenced by coins bearing his name which were minted at York in c. 942.
Downham has suggested that between Olaf's death and the arrival of Ragnall in York, perhaps in the latter part of 943, Northumbria was co-ruled by Sitric and Olaf Cuaran.
[6] Sitric should not be confused with a king of Dublin of the same name, mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters in 941.
According to Downham this individual "seems to be a later poetic invention rather than a historical king".
[7] Sitric has provisionally been identified with an individual of the same name who landed in Normandy in 942 and was defeated there by Louis IV of France.