Bullets explode inside police car

Police closed the road after the incident

Police on Tyneside are investigating a road accident which caused live ammunition to explode in the boot of an armed response car.

The police car left the road before crashing and bursting into flames, creating an intense heat which ignited the bullets.

It is not clear if any other vehicle was involved in the incident.

Hazel Wilson, a spokeswoman for Northumbria Police, would not comment on the crash itself.

Secure safe

She told BBC News Online: "We are investigating but we are not disclosing any details about the crash.

"The bullets ignited inside a secure safe.

"There was absolutely no danger to any member of the public or any police officers."

The incident happened on a country road between Hamsterley Mill and Rowlands Gill, near Gateshead, on Sunday morning.

Two officers suffered whiplash and bruising, and were taken to Newcastle General Hospital for treatment.

The road was closed while the area was made safe.