Driver fights for life after Sunderland collision

At around 7.30am, police received a report that a blue Alfa Romeo and a black Audi TT had collided head-on in Pallion New Road.

The male drivers of both vehicles were taken to hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Alfa Romeo remains in a serious condition in hospital.

The road was closed for two hours while police dealt with the incident and diversions were put in place to manage traffic.

Now officers are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to get in touch.

They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have dashboard camera footage of the collision.

Fire crews from Farringdon attended the collision, and released one of the drivers from his vehicle before he was transported to hospital.

A spokesman for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service added: "The driver of the other vehicle was self-rescued prior to the arrival of the fire service and was treated by paramedics at the scene."

All lanes of the road were blocked while the emergency services carried out their work, and began inquiries into the cause of the collision.

The incident happened just east of the Woodbine Terrace junction and Pallion Metro station.

Speaking to the Echo during the recovery, a spokesman from the North East Ambulance Service Trust said: "We are currently attending a two-car road traffic accident on Pallion New Road.

"There are two casualties, one has already been taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. The other is still being treated at the scene."

Northumbria Police warned the public to avoid the area while clean-up work was carried out, and officers continued their inquiries. The road fully re-opened to the public shortly before 11am.

Anyone who saw what happened or has any footage of the collision should call 101 quoting log 180 01/08/18 or report it online at www.northumbria.police.uk/contact.