A HIT-and-run driver left a female motorist injured and trapped in her damaged vehicle.

Firefighters had to remove the roof from the Citroen ZX vehicle, after the accident, on the A1086 Coast Road, between Horden and Blackhall, County Durham.

The victim, who suffered head and leg injuries, was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Her injuries were not life threatening, although police said the outcome had been potentially "horrendous".

It is understood the Citroen was travelling south towards Hartlepool when it was struck from behind by an R-registered Rover car.

Police said the Rover then drove off at speeds of up to 100 mph, also heading towards Hartlepool. It was later found abandoned on an industrial estate in the town.

The Citroen was shunted on to an embankment and the woman's husband, who was a passenger, was able to get out but she was trapped in the driver's seat.

Anyone who saw the accident, at 4.40pm on Monday, or the Rover car fleeing the scene, is asked to call Durham Police on 0845-606 0365.