A police officer was badly injured in a crash with a black Land Rover on Teesside on Sunday afternoon.

The incident happened on Cowpen Road in Billingham at about 1.35pm on Sunday (April 21) when the marked police van crashed with the 4x4.

It's understood the police vehicle was using its blue lights on its way to an emergency call when it crashed.

Police are currently attempting to establish how the incident happened.

The Northern Echo:

The officer driving the car was taken to University Hospital North Tees with suspected spinal injuries, but his condition is not as serious as first thought.

“Whilst the officer is suffering from painful injuries to his back, he is expected to make a full recovery,” Cleveland Police said.

The force added that another officer in the passenger seat was not hurt and has returned to duty today.

The Northern Echo: Crash in Billingham.Crash in Billingham. (Image: JOANNE GRIEVSON)

The road was closed for a short period of time after the crash.

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Five people in the Land Rover, including a 33-year-old woman behind the wheel and four passengers, did not suffer any serious injuries.

Anyone with information is being asked to come forward to assist police.

The Northern Echo:

A force spokesperson added: “Witnesses, or anyone with dash cam footage of the incident, are asked to call 101 quoting reference 72612.”