POLICE are hunting a motorist who failed to stop following a two-car collision in Hartlepool.

The incident happened at about 3.30pm on Wednesday, in Arncliffe Gardens.

A green Rover 214 collided with a blue Ford Focus and, after initially stopping, the driver of the Rover drove off. Both vehicles suffered moderate damage but no one was believed to be injured.

The Rover driver then abandoned the car at the junction of Baden Street and Colwyn Road and made off with his passengers, leaving the vehicle locked. It has not been reported as stolen.

The driver is described as white, thin, with shaved ginger hair and a goatee beard, in his late teens to early twenties. He was wearing a hooped top and tracksuit bottoms.

Witnesses can call PC Paul Harris, of the Cleveland Police road policing unit on 01642-301552, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.