POLICE in Sedgefield last night arrested a man in connection with a hit-and-run incident which left a farmer with multiple injuries.

A 19-year-old from the Hartlepool area, suspected to have been driving the car involved, was last night being questioned in Newton Aycliffe police station.

Detectives are still looking for a car involved in the incident which happened next to Embleton Old Hall Farm, near the border with Cleveland, just west of the A19.

The victim, 37-year-old Andrew Thompson, and a neighbouring landowner spotted two vehicles acting suspiciously on their land at about 8.30pm on Wednesday.

A dark car, possibly a Nissan, and a red Ford Mondeo both left the area, only for the Mondeo to return about 45 minutes later.

The two men went out to confront the occupants to ask what they were doing and stood in front of the car.

But the Mondeo drove off at speed and hit Mr Thompson, who suffered multiple fractures to both legs.

He has been treated at the University Hospital of North Tees, where his condition was last night described as serious but not life threatening.

The registration of the Mondeo is L572 AHN and police were last night making checks to trace the registered owner.

In the meantime, detectives are asking anyone who might know of its whereabouts to contact Newton Aycliffe CID.

Detective Sergeant Neil Edgar said: "This was an extremely serious incident and one we are treating as a deliberate assault.

"The incident occurred on private land, which is difficult to imagine any vehicle driving across accidentally."

Anyone with information is asked to call Newton Aycliffe police on (01325) 314401 or Crime-stoppers on 0800 555111.