TWO police constables were taken to hospital yesterday after their car crashed into a church wall as they responded to an emergency call.

The officers were slightly hurt when their marked police car swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle and crashed into the wall of St Patrick's RC Church, Meadowfield, Durham City, shortly after midnight.

Driver PC Diana Maisey, and passenger PC David Hall were both taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham City.

PC Maisey was able to return to duty after treatment. PC Hall suffered whiplash and was released from hospital several hours later.

The officers and three fire engines were responding to an emergency call after reports that people were trapped in a bungalow fire in Chalfont Way, in the village.

However, as they went over the brow of a hill on the A690, the officers' Vauxhall Astra panda car swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle and crashed into the stone wall.

The car was badly damaged and the impact destroyed a large section of the wall, damaging several 100-year-old pillars and scattering debris all over the church garden.

The house fire, which had started when a grill pan was left unattended, was put out before the emergency crews arrived. The householders were unhurt.

Yesterday, the church was able to maintain business as usual, and services were unaffected.

A church parish council spokesman said: "We are just thankful that, fortunately, the two officers have escaped largely unhurt."

Witnesses to the accident are asked to call Durham Police's accident investigation unit on 0191-386 4929.