THREE pedestrians were in hospital yesterday with serious injuries after being knocked down in separate accidents.

Scott Oliver, 20, was involved in an accident in Front Street, Perkinsville, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, at 11pm on Monday.

The accident happened when a blue Ford Mondeo turned off the A693 Stanley to Chester-le-Street road into Front Street.

Mr Oliver, of Brecon Place in Perkinsville, suffered serious head and leg injuries.

He was taken by ambulance to Newcastle General Hospital where his condition was described as critical but stable.

The driver and passenger of the Mondeo were unhurt.

The road was closed for more than two hours after the accident.

Witnesses are asked to contact police on 0845 606 0365.

A three-year-old girl suffered serious head injuries after being knocked down at lunch time on Monday in King George Road, South Shields, South Tyneside.

She was taken to South Tyneside District Hospital before being transferred to Newcastle General Hospital.

The driver, from South Shields, was shocked but unhurt.

Yesterday, South Tyneside Council confirmed the Leyland Daf was a council-run vehicle.

A council spokeswoman said: "Yesterday, a council vehicle was travelling along King George Road when the driver had to take evasive action after a three-year-old ran into the road.

"He swerved but unfortunately the vehicle struck the child a glancing blow.

"We are conducting a full investigation into the accident."

Witnesses are asked to contact Northumbria Police on 0191-454 7555.

An elderly man suffered leg injuries after being hit by a car in Cleveland Road, North Shields, North Tyneside, at 7.30pm on Monday.

He was taken to North Tyneside General Hospital.

Witnesses are asked to ring 0191-214 6555.