A WOMAN, believed to have suffered a medical episode, had to be cut free from the wreckage of a car that struck a tree in Darlington.

The incident happened on Carmel Road in the town shortly after 11pm on Wednesday night and involved an Alfa Romeo Mito.

A spokeswoman for County Durham and Darlington fire and rescue service said three adults were in the car.

Two were out on the fire brigade's arrival.

The woman driver was left in the vehicle while a medical assessment was carried out.

Durham Police said it is believed the woman had been taken ill at the wheel and had then lost control of the car.

She was then removed from the car by the fire crew and left in the hands of the ambulance service.

The police spokesman said she was taken to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough in a serious condition.

She remained in hospital on Thursday morning.