FOUR teenagers were hurt, one critically, when a car believed to have been taken without the owner's consent hit a tree stump at the weekend.

Police said the accident took place when a Nissan Micra failed to take a right-hand bend on the B6309 between Wittonstall and Ebchester, County Durham, at 2am on Saturday.

A 19-year-old man, of Moorside, Consett, who was one of three passengers in the car, was taken to Newcastle General Hospital with serious head injuries and internal injuries.

He underwent emergency surgery and was detained in the hospital's intensive care unit, where his condition was reported to be critical but stable.

He was later moved to the high dependency unit.

The 18-year-old driver, from Castleside, Consett, was taken to Durham's University Hospital, where he was treated for minor leg injuries.

A police spokesman said it was believed the Micra involved had been taken without the owner's consent and that officers would interview the driver when he was released from hospital.

The two other passengers, aged 17 and 18, who are both from the north Durham area, were also taken to hospital.

One was treated for a broken arm and the other for broken ribs. It is believe the Micra was the only vehicle involved.

Anyone who saw the accident is asked to call the police accident investigation unit on 0191-375 2159.