Six people were injured when a marked police car collided with a taxi, say police.

The Northumbria Police vehicle, a Volvo, was travelling along Corporation Road in Sunderland in connection with a reported assault, when it collided with a Citroen Xsara taxi at the junction of Villette Road just after 4.15pm on Sunday.

A spokesman for the force said the taxi driver and his three passengers suffered minor injuries and were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital to be checked over.

The two officers in the police car were also treated for minor injuries.

The spokesman added: "The road was closed for approximately two hours for inquiries to take place and an inquiry is under way to establish the circumstances of the crash."

Witnesses were urged to contact police on 03456 043043, extension 66735.

http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/Police-car-and-taxi-in.4211149.jp