A police car and a fire engine have collided on a town centre crossroads, while answering separate emergency calls.

The two-man crew of the patrol car and the driver of the fire truck were hurt and taken to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, but Cleveland Police believe their injuries are not serious.

The emergency vehicles were "extensively damaged" in the collision which occurred at the junction of Borough Road and Linthorpe road - a traffic light controlled junction - in the heart of Middlesbrough, early this morning.

Both vehicles had their blue warning lights flashing and were travelling at speed in response to 999 calls, the fire engine heading in the direction of The Mall shopping centre, the police car travelling north to break up a street brawl.

The crash which blocked the junction for a period, around 6am, is being investigated by the Force's accident investigation unit.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them on (01642) 303126.