POLICE are appealing for information following a crash that left an elderly couple with serious injuries and the deaths of two horses.

The incident happened at around 9pm on Saturday, August 24, on Durham Lane near Eaglescliffe.

The couple, who are in their 80s, were driving on the north carriageway when their black Mitsubishi Colt hit two horses.

It is believed the horses had been left loose in the road, before their car left the road, and came to rest among some trees. 

Police said the driver, a man was left with severe facial injuries while the passenger of the car, a woman was left with a serious head injury.

Police also said one horse died outright at the scene, and another horse had to be put down. 

It is believed a third horse, which was in the area at the time, was unharmed and was led to safety by a woman who did not remain at the scene.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "We would also like to trace the horses’ owner and would appeal for them to get in touch with police.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Sharon Smith of the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit via the 101 number, quoting Event 145681."