A MAN was taken to hospital with serious chest injuries after the car he was driving collided with a lamppost.

The accident happened on the A66 eastbound road at the Smeaton Street roundabout, North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, at 2.15am yesterday.

A passenger in the Rover was also injured.

Both had to be cut out of the vehicle by fire officers.

They were taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital, where the driver is being detained.

Any witnesses to the accident are asked to contact PC Derrick Walton, on (01642) 301558.