A TEENAGER received a suspected fractured skull when he was involved in a road accident yesterday.

A van was in collision with 13-year-old Robert Sanderson in Darlington, at lunchtime.

Police believe the driver may not have realised his van had been in an accident.

The collision happened at about 12.25pm, in Whinfield Road, outside the Shuttle and Loom pub.

Robert, from Borough Road, Darlington, was with friends from Haughton Comprehensive School.

A police spokesman said: "It seems Robert was either crossing the road, or had stepped into the road, when he collided with the rear of a trailer being towed by a small goods vehicle, which was white in colour."

Robert was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital and transferred to Middlesbrough General Hospital. Police said he was conscious and able to speak to his family.

The van was travelling towards North Road. The trailer was attached to it by a hydraulic lift, and there was red lettering or a red logo on the back of either the vehicle or its trailer.

PC Piers Lawrence, of Darlington police, appealed for the van driver or any witnesses who had not yet spoken to officers, to get in touch on (01325) 467681.