A WOMAN who walked down a motorway after a row with her boyfriend is in hospital after being hit by a car.

The 23-year-old suffered head and leg injuries in the accident, which happened on the A1M near Bowburn, County Durham, on Saturday night.

The woman, who has not been named, and her boyfriend are believed to have been travelling home to Ferryhill with friends after a night at Sunderland Greyhound Stadium.

The couple left the vehicle at the Bowburn interchange.

Police were already on their way to the scene when the accident happened because an off-duty officer had reported seeing a woman sitting in the outside lane.

Last night, she was poorly but stable. Witnesses are asked to call 0191-386 4929.