A TEENAGE girl was in a critical condition last night after an accident in which the car she was travelling in hit a tree.

The 15-year-old was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, with serious head injuries after the accident at the Durham Way South industrial estate, in Newton Aycliffe, on Thursday night.

Three other passengers in the black Vauxhall Astra, including the girl's 18-year-old sister, were treated for injuries.

The elder sister, who was in the back of the car, received treatment for a suspected broken back at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

She was later transferred to the James Cook University Hospital, where she was in a stable condition last night.

Also treated was a 15-year-old front-seat passenger, from Newton Aycliffe, who is in a comfortable condition, and a 15-year-old girl, from Ferryhill, who was allowed to return home that night.

The driver, a 20-year-old man from Newton Aycliffe, was treated for chest injuries and an injury to his left hand. His condition was described as comfortable.

Witnesses are asked to call the Police Accident Investigation Unit on 0191-375 2159.