Three people are in hospital after a serious collision following a police pursuit in Houghton-le-Spring.
Officers received a report that a Renault Megane had collided with a wall on Dairy Lane shortly after 2.20am on Monday.
The male driver and two female passengers were taken to hospital, where they remain with serious injuries.
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At the time of the collision, the car was being pursued by officers from Durham Constabulary.
The pursuit had begun in their force area before crossing the border into the Northumbria area.
The road was closed shortly after the incident but re-opened shortly after 1.30pm.
Police have now confirmed that the case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who have confirmed they will also be conducting an investigation.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "Anyone who has any information, CCTV or dashcam footage in relation to the collision is asked to contact Northumbria Police via the report it section of their website or on 101 quoting reference NP-20210823-0097."
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