A TEENAGE motorist was still in a critical condition yesterday after a minibus hit the back of his car at the weekend.

Jonathan Stephen Cadman, 18, of Whitworth Manor, Spennymoor, was standing outside his Alpha Romeo when the crash occurred at 2.30pm on Saturday.

Smoke was pouring out of the vehicle and this is thought to have obscured the view of the minibus driver.

The accident happened on the A688 Spennymoor bypass in County Durham, between the Middlestone Moor and Gas Works roundabouts.

Mr Cadman suffered serious head injuries and is being treated at Newcastle General Hospital. His condition last night was critical but stable.

The driver and four passengers in the Ford minibus, all from West Auckland, were taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital with shock and minor injuries and have all since been released.

Witnesses are asked to call 0845 6060365.