A THREE-YEAR-OLD boy is fighting for his life after being involved in a road accident on Tuesday evening.

The boy suffered serious head injuries in the accident, which happened near the village of Great Stainton, County Durham, at about 7.45pm.

He was rushed to Middlesbrough General Hospital, where his condition was described yesterday as critical.

He was in the passenger seat of a car driven by his 28-year-old father, who sustained a neck injury.

The man was also taken to Middlebrough General, where he was said to be in a comfortable condition.

The father and son, of Newton Aycliffe, were in a Vauxhall Astra travelling east in Lodge Lane, towards Great Stainton.

Just before reaching the village and after overtaking another vehicle, the Astra went out of control for an unknown reason, then mounted an embankment and overturned. The road was closed for more than four hours.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Durham Constabulary Accident Unit on 0191-386 4929.