ACCIDENT investigators are appealing for witnesses to a road accident which left a motorcycle passenger in a critical condition.

The accident involved a motorbike travelling east along the A689 at Eastgate, County Durham, just after 9.30am on Saturday.

The vehicle left the road while negotiating a left-hand bend and collided with a stone wall.

Motorcyclist Graeme Eden, 22, of Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, suffered minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital of North Durham. He was later released following treatment.

The 34-year-old male pillion passenger, from Fencehouses, Newcastle, who has not been named, suffered serious head and spine injuries and was taken by police helicopter to Newcastle General Hospital, where his condition was described as critical.

Police are appealing for witnesses to call the accident investigation unit on 0191-386 4929.