A MOTHER and her young son suffered serious injuries after a bicycle accident on a steeply declining road.

The 37-year-old woman and the two-year-old boy, who was strapped onto the cycle, were both recovering from head injuries in hospital today, as police appealed for witnesses to the accident.

It was said to have taken place as the woman was cycling down Providence Row, linking Claypath with The Sands, near Durham city centre.

As she came round a right hand bend near the junction with Wanless Terrace, opposite Durham Sixth Form Centre, she appears to have lost control of the green coloured bike and fallen to the ground, suffering serious head injuries.

Her son, who was strapped into a child seat, also suffered head injuries in the crash.

The alarm was raised by a passing driver who saw the aftermath but not the actual accident itself.

Both mother and son were taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, where they received emergency treatment for their head injuries, and have been detained.

They were both said to be in a ‘poorly but stable’ condition at the infirmary today.

Police, who said the accident took place at around 10.15am on Wednesday/yesterday (SEP 14), have appealed for information from any witnesses, either other road users, pedestrians or nearby residents.

The family involved has not been named by police, but are said to be from Archery Rise in the Nevilles Cross area of Durham.

Anyone who can help the police inquiry into the incident is asked to contact Durham Police’s collision investigation unit, on 0191-375 2159.