The pair were knocked to the ground in Easington Lane by a motorist who then reversed over them twice before fleeing the scene.

Both victims have undergone surgery at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

One woman suffered head injuries, a broken leg and fractured pelvis and remains in the intensive care unit.

She remains under sedation, but her condition is not life-threatening.
The other victim – whose husband was said to have screamed when he rushed to the scene – had head injuries and a broken leg.

Neighbours who described the victims as "lovely people," are struggling to come to terms with what had happened.

"It's horrific," said one woman. "Everybody has been really shocked by this."

The incident happened on Tyne Street, off High Street, shortly after 11.30pm on Wednesday.

The women are believed to have been at the Top House pub – The Three Tuns. They were struck down when a car mounted the kerb.

A 42-year-old man was detained by Durham Police after a pursuit of a silver Rover car which began near Wellfield, on the outskirts of Peterlee, and ended when it crashed at the Norton turn-off of the A19, on Teesside, at 6am yesterday.

It has not been confirmed whether he was known to the victims.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses to phone 03456 043 043, extension 69195, quoting log number 1520.