TWO men have been seriously injured after a major crash, with one car ending up in a pond and another bursting into flames.

It happened on Sandy Lane, in Stockton-on-the-Forest, at around 12.05am today and involved a blue Mini Cooper with a distinctive black roof and large spoiler and a blue Vauxhall Astra.

As a result of the collision, the Mini left the road and landed in a large pond.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "The three men in the vehicle were able to get out.

"They were taken by ambulance to York Hospital and Leeds General Infirmary, one with minor injuries and two with serious injuries."

The Astra continued a short distance before it left the road and burst into flames.

The man driving the car, the only occupant, was taken to York Hospital by ambulance with minor injuries, the spokesman added.

Police are still investigating the scene.

The road is expected to remain closed until later in the morning with diversions in place.

Witnesses to the collision or anyone who recalls seeing either the blue Vauxhall Astra or the distinctive blue Mini Cooper, are urged to phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, option 2, and ask for Mark Patterson, or email mark.patterson@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Quote reference number 12170182197.