Inquests have been opened into the deaths of two men in a car crash.

Driver Craig McLean, 22, and his passenger, James Weastell, 30, were killed last Friday when their Peugeot veered on to the wrong side of the road and into the path of a Fiat.

The crash was on a bend near brickworks, on the outskirts of Eaglescliffe, Teesside.

Firefighters had to cut the bodies of the two men from the wreckage of the Peugeot, one side of which had taken the full impact of the smash.

Yesterday, Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield opened and adjourned inquests into the deaths of builder's labourer Mr McLean, of Station Road, Middleton St George, and Mr Weastell, a fitter, of Varo Terrace, Stockton.

Evidence of identification was given by the mothers of the two men.

Acting Inspector Carol Steveley of Cleveland Police said at the time of the crash that the Peugeot was believed to have been going north along Durham Lane. It appeared that the driver lost control and collided with a Fiat Punto.

A father and son, who were travelling in the Fiat, were treated at the university Hospital of North Tees for minor injuries.

Air bags in the car had inflated on impact, saving them from serious injury.

Witnesses are asked to call PC Sharon Smith of the crash investigation unit, on (01642) 301538.