TRAFFIC police are appealing for witnesses to an accident involving a taxi and a car.

The collision, at the junction of Eldon Bank and Green Lane, Shildon, happened on Sunday, at 11.25pm, and involved a Rover taxi and a red car which had a plastic covering instead of a front near side window.

The red car drove off towards Eldon without stopping leaving the occupants of the taxi with minor injuries. The taxi received damage to the front.

A red Renault 19 car registration H826 DNY was recovered an hour later in Lilac Court, Shildon.

The car had damage to the nearside door and the window was covered with plastic instead of glass.

A man who lives in Lilac Court was arrested and later released on police bail pending further inquiries.

A police spokesman said: "We are looking for witnesses who may have seen the Renault 19 or a similar vehicle in the Shildon area on Sunday night, or who may have seen anyone in or around this vehicle in Lilac Court after 11.25pm."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Neil Fuller at Newton Aycliffe police station, on (01325) 314401.