A SUSPECTED hit and run driver was arrested after a police chase involving three different forces this morning.
The silver Rover crashed near the Norton turn on the A19 near Billingham after the pursuit by officers from Durham Constabulary.
They were alerted to the car after it was spotted on the road near Peterlee at around 6am.
It was believed to have
been involved in an incident near Sunderland last night in which two women, aged 19 and 59, were run over by a car which mounted a pavement.
Officers from Cleveland Police dispatched several police cars when the pursuit crossed the border into Cleveland.
A 42 year-old man was arrested by Durham police in connection with the earlier incident.
A spokesman said: "The car was spotted on the A19 near Peterlee and was followed down the A19 in to the Cleveland area where the car crashed.
"The driver was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton."
It caused lengthy tailbacks for early morning drivers on the southbound carriageway as six police vehicles dealt with the incident.
Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043 extension 69195.
* SEE tomorrow's Hartlepool Mail and website for full story and updates.
