A MAN had his car stolen after he stopped to help the victims of a road accident.

The man left his blue Vauxhall Corsa near the fire station in Tees Road, Seal Sands, on Tuesday at about 5.10pm to see if he could assist following the smash.

But as he went to help the injured, three or four men jumped out of their damaged van and drove off with his car in the direction of Billingham.

The car was found abandoned by police at about 8.45pm.

The accident happened when a Ford Escort van and a Ford Escort car were involved in a head-on collision.

Firefighters from Billingham attended the scene and gave first aid.

Two men from the car were taken to the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, for treatment.

One suffered head injuries, while the other sustained cuts and bruising.