POLICE are appealing for information after a woman was seriously hurt in a head-on collision in County Durham.

The 23-year-old, of Byers Green, near Bishop Auckland, was driving a Nissan Note on the A688 road at New Coundon when the two-car crash happened at about 10pm on Friday, March 4.

She was taken to North Tees Hospital where she underwent surgery. Her injuries are said to be non life-threatening although she remains in hospital.

The 23-year-old driver of the other car involved, a Renault Megane, suffered injuries to his hip and face and was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital (DMH). His 18-year-old front seat passenger, a woman from Toft Hill, was taken to DMH with minor injuries.

The back seat passengers, a 21-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man, both from Shildon, did not require hospital treatment.

Police said the Renault was travelling south on the A688 at New Coundon when it is believed it crossed to the off-side of the carriageway and collided head-on with the Nissan.

Sergeant Mark Sheppard, of the force’s road policing unit (RPU), said: “I would appeal to anyone who saw this collision or spotted the vehicles involved shortly before it occurred to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RPU via the non-emergency number 101 or the collision investigation unit direct on 0191 3752159.