A CYCLIST was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car.

Police are now appealing for information following the collision on the A689, Butterwick Road near Sedgefield on Thursday, May 23.

The incident occurred shortly after 7.20pm and involved a grey Mercedes coupe and a black Memil Sesei racing bicycle.

Officers believe the rider of the bike was travelling east on the A689 dual carriageway when the driver of the Mercedes attempted to join the carriageway and collided with the rider.

The rider, a 23-year-old man, was airlifted to The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough with serious injuries. 

The road was closed for around three hours after the incident.

The day after the collision, the cyclist's condition was described as serious but stable.

Anyone with information in relation to the crash or anyone with dashcam footage which could help accident investigators is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101 quoting reference number 356 of May 23.