A PASSENGER of a car that crashed into a tree in Dunham Hill last night (Wednesday, October 8) remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The 19-year-old driver who was arrested at the scene for dangerous driving has been released on police bail to return to Blacon Police Station on December 10.

Police and fire crews from Ellesmere Port and Chester were called to Hob Lane at 8.25pm last night after a car collided with a tree. The 19-year-old driving the white Seat Ibiza and his front seat passenger escaped with minor injuries.

A 20-year-old male from the Merseyside area who was in the back seat of the car received head injuries and was taken to Countess of Chester Hospital. He has now been moved to Walton Hospital and remains in a critical condition.

Chester Fire and Rescue Watch Manager Eric Campbell said: “The male in the back of the car was unconscious. We had to use cutting equipment to take the roof off the car to get him out. It was quite difficult because the front of the car was down a ditch.

“The two front seat passengers had been wearing seat belts, the back seat passenger was not. If he had been wearing a belt he would have been OK.”

“I would just like to remind everyone of the importance of wearing a seat belt, it will save your life during a crash.”