TWO people were killed in separate road accidents in the region over the weekend.

The first, at about 6.15pm on Saturday, happened in Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, on the A178 Coronation Drive, about 200m south of Newburn Bridge, and involved seven casualties.

A Vauxhall Nova, coming from Seaton Carew, veered into the other lane and collided with a Citroen Visa, before plunging through the crash barrier and rolling several times on to a grass verge.

Leading fire officer Anthony Mosley said: "When we arrived, the ambulance was attempting to prioritise the casualties. Two from the Citroen had managed to get themselves out and there were two from the Nova who we think were thrown out during the roll.

"Of the five people in the Nova, two were still trapped.

"We managed to give oxygen to one of them but the other was not responding."

Fire officers removed the Nova's roof and managed to free a boy aged about 15, who had suffered a broken leg and was extremely shocked. The other occupant, a 38-year-old man, was pronounced dead.

Four of the most seriously injured were taken to Hartlepool General Hospital and detained overnight.

Witnesses were asked last night to contact PC Derrick Walton on (01642) 301558.

The second accident happened at about 12.35am yesterday, on the A66 eastbound turnoff to Teesside Park.

A Nissan Micra collided with a male pedestrian, who suffered fatal injuries. The man, whose identity was not being released last night, is described as being in his mid to late 20s, 6ft 1in, with short brown hair.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or can help identify the man should ring PC Sharon Smith on (01642) 301558