POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a car crash near the Tyne Bridge, in Newcastle.

Three men were hurt after a Ford Sierra crashed into a lamp-post on the A167 northbound Newcastle motorway, 300ft north of the bridge. All three had to be cut from the car by firefighters after the crash, at 10.40pm on Saturday.

The driver, Parmajit Grawal, of Fenham Hall Drive, Newcastle, suffered a broken neck and ankle and was detained in Newcastle General Hospital. Front seat passenger Kuldip Grawal, of Wingrove Road, suffered a serious arm injury and was also in hospital last night.

Mohinder Singh, of Fowberry Crescent, travelling in the back of the car, suffered whiplash, but was released after treatment.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0191-214 6555.