POLICE are searching for a motorist who failed to stop after playing a part in an accident on a dual carriageway.

A white Mercedes van, part of a fleet owned by the Securitas company, was travelling north on the A19 at about 60mph when the crash happened.

Police said a Ford Mondeo, which had been waiting in the central crossover point, pulled out and caused the van to swerve violently and overturn.

The accident happened at about 12.45pm on Wednesday near the Hutton Henry turn-off, north of Hartlepool.

The van came to rest on its side, facing in the opposite direction to which it had been travelling.

Two security men, both in their 30s, were taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool with cuts and bruises, which were not life-threatening.

The driver of the silver Mondeo, a man who appeared to be alone, failed to stop and no other vehicle was involved.

PC Kieron Goulden said the driver and passenger of the security van were lucky to escape serious injury and appealed for the driver of the Mondeo to contact police as a matter of urgency.

PC Goulden said the road had been busy at the time and appealed to the occupants of passing vehicles, who may have witnessed the accident, to get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845-606 0365.