A MAN is fighting for his life after being struck by a car in a late-night accident.

It happened on Wednesday at about 10.20pm on the B1404 in Seaham, County Durham, and involved the 63-year-old and a Nissan Micra travelling south-east.

A police spokesman said: "Exact circumstances of the accident are as yet unclear but it is thought the victim may have got off a service bus and was struck as he crossed the road. It appears he was carried some 50 metres on the bonnet of the car.''

The victim, who has not been named but lives in Seaham, suffered head injuries. He underwent emergency surgery at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

His condition yesterday was critical but stable and he was expected to undergo further surgery.

The driver of the Nissan, a 19-year-old woman from Seaham, was uninjured.

The accident investigation unit at police headquarters in Durham is appealing for witnesses to contact 0191-386 4929.