A DRIVER suffered a broken nose after his car careered into a railway bridge.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which occurred on Monday at 9.20pm, in Port Clarence Road, Port Clarence, near Billingham.

The accident is believed to have happened when the 29-year-old driver of the Ford Escort failed to negotiate a bend and collided with the bridge.

There were also three passengers, all from Middlesbrough.

One passenger suffered a fracture to the base of his skull and the other two passengers had minor injuries.

A police spokesman said: "The passenger with serious injuries was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital, where his condition is described as poorly but stable."

Only minor damage was caused to the railway bridge, which is near the the Station Hotel.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Gavin McDonald on (01642) 301558