A MOTORIST was seriously injured when her vehicle fell 150 feet down Saltergate Bank.

The crash happened on the A169 near Pickering at about 4.50pm on Friday, and involved a silver Renault Modus travelling towards Whitby which left the road.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said the car went down an embankment and travelled about 150 feet before coming to rest by a tree.

Fire crews were called to the scene to assist with the rescue of the 57-year-old driver and two children who were passengers in the car. All three were airlifted to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The police spokesman said the woman, who is from Coventry, suffered serious injuries and is in a critical condition.

The passengers, a boy and a girl believed to be in their teens, were also taken to hospital, but believed to be less seriously injured.

Anyone who saw the incident or the Modus prior to the crash should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or email Steven.James771@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk