A MAN has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly running over two women at a wedding.

Benjamin Ashman is accused of driving a Vauxhall Grandland into a woman in her 50s and another in her 20s at Bowburn Hall Hotel, near Durham, in the early hours of Saturday, August 24.

Both victims were taken to hospital and police say the woman in her 50s suffered “serious injuries”.

Ashman, 36, has appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court charged with two counts of attempted murder, dangerous driving, assault, criminal damage and failing to provide a specimen.

The 36-year-old, of Sunderland Street, Houghton-le-Spring, was remanded into custody pending a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court on September 27.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: “A man has been charged with a number of offences after a woman was left seriously injured after allegedly being run over by a car.

“Police were called to an altercation at Bowburn Hall Hotel, in Durham, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

“The woman, who is in her 50s, was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, with serious injuries after she was allegedly struck by a Vauxhall Grandland.

“A woman in her 20s was also struck by the vehicle and was taken to hospital.

“A 26-year-old woman who was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and assault has been released under investigation.”