A MAN has been airlifted to hospital after suffering serious injuries in a hit-and-run accident.

The incident happened at around 4.15pm this afternoon on the A690 on the outskirts of Durham City.

The victim, a 55-year-old man from Brandon, was hit on John Street, in Meadowfield by a car which was travelling towards Durham and left the scene shortly after the collision.

He suffered head and spinal injuries and was airlifted to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough, where his condition was tonight described as stable.

Sgt Neil Fuller, from Durham Constabularys Road Policing Unit, has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

He said: "We are currently looking for a 4x4 or people carrier type vehicle.

"We believe the lower part of the vehicle may have been of a darker colour than the main body and it may have had a bike rack or similar attached to its rear".

Anyone who saw the accident or a vehicle fitting the police description is asked to ring Durham Constabulary on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or the accident unit directly on 0191-375 2159.