POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a car crashed into a tree in Darlington late last night.

The accident happened on Carmel Road North at 11.48pm when the driver of a BMW 335 lost control of the vehicle and hit a tree.

Durham Police said the car was overtaking other vehicles at the time.

The driver, the sole occupant, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

Witnesses are asked to contact Acting Sergeant Kevin Salter of the roads policing unit on 101.