POLICE are appealing for witnesses to an accident which left a young cyclist in a critical condition. The collision between the young bike rider and a car happened in George Street, Seaham at around 8.15pm on Friday.

Pedal cyclist Shaun Anthony Whiting, 14 years, of Beech Crescent, Parkside Seaham was initially taken to Sunderland General Hospital after he collided with a blue Renault Clio car near to the junction of George and Temple Streets.

He was later transferred to Newcastle General Hospital where his condition is described as "critical but stable.''

Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to ring Durham Constabulary's Accident Unit on (0191) 3752159.