TWO women and a child in a buggy have been involved in a serious road accident on the outskirts of Whitby.

The collision, which involved a grey hatchback car happened at The Carrs near Sleights at around 2.25pm today.

Paramedics and the air ambulance were scrambled to the scene.

"One of the women suffered serious injuries and was taken by air ambulance to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough," a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said.

"The other woman suffered a leg injury and was taken to Scarborough Hospital in a land ambulance. The boy in the buggy was left in shock but was unhurt.

"The woman driving the car, which was heading towards Ruswarp from Sleights and ended up on its side in trees, also escaped serious injury along with a female passenger.

"They were taken to Whitby Hospital for treatment."

Firefighters attended to ensure the crashed car was made safe.

Local diversions have been put in place while the police investigate the collision scene. The stretch of road is expected to remain closed for the next few hours.

Witnesses to the collision have been urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, selecting option 1.