Two elderly woman have been left with life-threatening injuries after a suspected hit-and-run involving a stolen car and two other vehicles.

Emergency services were called at 2pm on Wednesday to the B1288 Leam Lane at the junction with Springwell Road in Gateshead.

The stolen light blue Ford Focus RS was abandoned at the scene and two elderly women were taken to hospital.

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Both women suffered life-changing injuries as a result of the collision.

Enquiries are ongoing and officers are now trying to trace two male occupants of the Focus who were seen making off from the scene on foot.

Inspector Phil Patterson, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a very serious collision which has left two elderly women with life-threatening injuries.

“Substantial enquiries are now underway to identify those responsible.

“This was a cowardly act which has devastated the lives of the two victims and we are urging the public to help us bring the offenders to justice.

“To run off from the scene leaving two elderly women in such a grave condition is unacceptable in anyone’s eyes.

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“We will not stop until we identify those responsible and we are therefore appealing to anyone who witnessed what happened or who may have relevant dash cam or CCTV footage to contact us immediately – it could hold the key to the investigation.

“In addition if anyone saw a light blue Ford Focus in the locality prior to the collision occurring, please get in touch.”

To help police with the inquiry call 101.