A manhunt has been launched after a car ploughed into a barrier before those inside of it "jumped out" and fled the scene.

Drivers and passers-by were shocked to see the Renault Zoe come off Durham Road, Sunderland at around 7.30pm on Wednesday.

The black car, which had been travelling in the direction towards Barnes Park, ploughed into a fence, before all of the occupants left the scene.

Read more: Man dies at the wheel after 'medical incident' on the A19 in County Durham

According to those who had seen the incident unfold, they said a number of people including the driver had made off on foot.

The Northern Echo: The car on Durham Road in Sunderland Picture: JIM SCOTTThe car on Durham Road in Sunderland Picture: JIM SCOTT (Image: JIM SCOTT)

One person told The Northern Echo that they had "jumped out" before proceeding to leave the area just seconds after crashing.

Northumbria Police said that it now looking to find those who were involved.

A spokesperson said: “At 7.30pm yesterday (Wednesday) we received a report of a collision on Durham Road in Sunderland.

The Northern Echo:

“It was reported that a vehicle collided with another car before the occupants made off on foot prior to emergency services attending.

“An investigation is ongoing to trace those involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20221102-1039.”

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