A MAN has appeared in court charged with dangerous driving after a crash involving a police van.


John Robert McCabe, of Fordenbridge Road, Sunderland, was arrested after a crash, which happened in the city on Sunday. 


The 30-year-old was charged with a number of offences, including causing serious injury by dangerous driving, careless driving without due care and attention, and failing to stop after an accident and appeared in front of magistrates sitting at Newcastle Crown Court on New Year's Day.


Northumbria Police received a report of alleged dangerous driving on Hylton Road, Sunderland, at 10.50am on Sunday.


It is alleged a silver Vauxhall Corsa crashed into another vehicle, before driving off and allegedly crashing into a police dog van on Mowbray Road.
Three people, including a police officer, were injured. 


Three police dogs, who were in the van at the time, were not seriously injured but were checked by vets.


Mr McCabe was remanded in custody to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on January 29.


Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone who has dashcam footage, is asked to contact 101, quoting reference 301 301218