A DISQUALIFIED driver has survived a dramatic head-on crash which caused a car he had stolen to burst into flames.

A blaze that consumed the wreckage of a Renault Clio was extinguished by crews from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service before Durham Police arrested the driver on suspicion of drunk driving.

Motorists faced delays along the A690, near Ramside and West Rainton, County Durham, as emergency services dealt with the burnt out remains of the car left on the grass verge.

Officers from Durham Police's Road Policing Unit (RPU) attended the scene before arresting the suspect at around 1pm this afternoon.

There are no reported injuries from the incident on the eastbound carriageway, however the driver remains in custody.

Durham RPU have since issued an appeal for any witnesses to come forward who may have seen a blue Renault Clio being driven dangerously in Washington or Durham.

Anyone with information can contact PC 1572 Fisher via non-emergency number 101.