A MAN is critically ill in hospital after driving his car through a fence and into a field, and hitting a steel post.

The 33-year-old, from Durham, is on life support machines at the University Hospital of North Durham following the accident, just before 1.30am today.

He suffered serious head, neck, arm and internal injuries, and has had both legs amputated.

The man was driving from the direction of Bearpark, near Durham City, when he left the road near Ushaw College Farm and drove into the field.

His car was extensively damaged, and the driver, who was alone in it, was trapped in the wreckage.

Specialists from Durham Constabulary's accident investigation unit have examined the crash scene and will examine the vehicle to determine how the crash happened.