A MOTORIST arrested after his car crashed into three vehicles was allegedly five times the drink-drive limit, police said today.

The 40-year-old was being held in Darlington after police were called to Haughton Road at about 9.25am, following reports that a black Vauxhall had hit a taxi, a white Mercedes Sprinter van and another car.

A police officer using the forces road policing unit account tweeted: "Drink Driver arrested in Darlington after colliding with several vehicles in haughton road area. Blew 188 at station (5xlimit)."

The legal limit is 35mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

A force spokeswoman said there were no reports of any injuries.