AN investigation has been launched following a collision between a police van and a car.

The driver of the car involved, a Golf GTi, is being treated for injuries in hospital.

Cleveland Police claim the Peugeot police van was answering an emergency call in Billingham.

They are appealing for witnesses to what they described as a serious accident.

The collision took place on Sunday night, at the junction of Bishopton Lane and Victoria Street, Stockton, although details were only revealed yesterday.

The car driver is being treated at the University Hospital of North Tees, Stockton, for a back injury. No other details have been released about him.

His 19-year-old woman passenger sustained neck, back and chest injuries, but was discharged after treatment.

The two-man crew of the police van were discharged from hospital following treatment.

One of them, a 37-year-old, received neck, back and head injuries, while his 32-year-old colleague complained of back and neck pain.

A force spokeswoman said the van was answering an emergency call to go to Billingham, when the incident occurred at about 10.40pm.

Witnesses are asked to contact Cleveland Police's road policing unit on (01642) 301552.