A WOMAN doctor has been hailed a heroine for her care and compassion at the scene of a road crash.

Middlesbrough-based Dr Helen Burke stopped her car to help the victims of a head-on crash.

An 11-year-old boy travelling as a front-seat passenger was badly injured with a suspected broken neck and internal injuries.

Dr Burke came across the scene, on the A1085, at its junction with Skipper's Lane, South Bank, near Middlesbrough, just before the road was closed by police investigators.

Station officer Steve Walton said the doctor's timely arrival was "incredible".

He said: "She was excellent. She brought her expertise, professionalism and patient care, plus the guidance she gave us. It made our lives a lot easier."

Dr Burke could not be contacted yesterday, but colleagues said she was upset by the accident and doubted whether she would want to talk about it

The injured youngster, who has not been named, was in a Vauxhall Astra.

It was in collision with a Nissan Bluebird. Cleveland Police said the incident happened after one of the cars crossed over the central white line.

The boy was admitted to the intensive care unit at Middlesbrough General Hospital.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident, which happened just before 6pm on Wednesday.

Witnesses are urged to ring Cleveland Police on (01642) 326326 and ask for PC Woodhouse or PC Hornsby.