A MAIN road was closed after a serious road traffic collision involving a car left two people injured.

Durham Constabulary said the incident happened on the B1280 at Haswell, near Peterlee, between the Church View junction down to the Blue House public house.

One patient has been taken to the major trauma unit at James Cook University Hospital with pelvic and lower limb injuries, while the other has been taken to the emergency department for treatment.

A spokesman for North East Ambulance Service said: "We sent a rapid response paramedic, a specialist paramedic and two ambulances to the scene."

A spokesman for County Durham Fire and Rescue Service said a crew from Peterlee had to free a person from a car using specialist cutting equipment.

The alarm was raised at 11.45pm.

A police spokesman said: “We are currently dealing with a road traffic collision on B1280 at Haswell and have closed the road from Church View junction down to the Blue House Public House.

“Motorists are advised to seek an alternative route and to allow greater time for their journey. 

"Thank you for your patience.”