Police have warned about the illegal use of off-road motorbikes after a rider and his pillion passenger suffered broken bones in a collision with a car.

The pair, thought to be aged 37 and 19 respectively, were riding along Estoril Road South, in Darlington, at about 4.45pm on Sunday evening when they were hit by a Nissan Micra which was turning right into a driveway.

Both men were thrown clear of the bike, the rider suffering a suspected broken ankle and grazes to his head and face.

The pillion passenger suffered a suspected broken leg. Both the injured men were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Micra, a woman, is thought to have been treated at the scene for shock.

Police believe the off-road bike was being used illegally, without a driving licence or insurance.

They also say it was being used without protective helmets.

The right wing of the car was ripped clean off such was the impact of the crash.

Acting Inspector Gavin Musgrave, of Durham police, said: "We have a big problem here in Darlington with off road motorbikes.

"This accident could have been a lot worse as they also narrowly missed a telegraph pole.

"A lot of parents will be thinking about buying motorbikes or quad bikes for their children this Christmas and this shows the serious consequences of not using such vehicles properly."