A MAN was taken to hospital after his car broke through a barrier and plunged down an embankment becoming lodged on a flight of steps.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We received a report of a one-vehicle collision just off the Coast Road, South Shields at around 6.40am on Sunday.

“Officers attended and found a car that had broken through a barrier and driven down the embankment near Redwell Lane.

“Emergency services safely removed a 19-year-old male from the vehicle and he remains in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

“Anyone with any information, or who witnessed the incident, is asked to contact police at 101 quoting reference 0238 13/05/18.”

Robin Hunter who posted these pictures on Facebook said: "A car drove through the barriers to the left of the Velvet Bed steps and down the embankment ending up wedged sideways about three quarters of the way down.

"Police were there and a recovery was in place. Don't know why but the cars airbags had deployed so hopefully whoever was driving is ok."

Anyone with any information, or who witnessed the incident, is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 0238 13/05/18