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

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

The accident is believed to have happened when the 29-year-old failed to negotiate a bend and collided with a wall at the base of the railway bridge across the road. There were no other vehicles involved in the accident.

There were also three passengers, all from Middlesbrough, in the Ford Escort.

One passenger sustained a fracture to the base of his skull, the driver suffered a broken nose 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 adjacent to the Station Hotel. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Gavin McDonald on (01642) 301558.