Car involved in Hartlepool smash was involved in police chase before crash police confirm as four arrested

Cleveland Police has said at approximately 8.40am yesterday, Tuesday, December 1, it received a report of a suspicious vehicle leaving the Brenda Road and Sydenham Road area of Hartlepool.

A short time later, the red convertible Ford Escort collided with a white Vauxhall Insignia and then came to rest in the side of a building on the corner of Raby Road and Hart Lane, having taken out a barrier as it crashed.

Police say the Ford had been located through CCTV and officers in the area and was pursued by a marked police car for “a very short period of time before the collision”, which happened just before 9.15am.

The driver from the Insignia was treated by ambulance staff for minor injuries and the passenger from the same car was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees to be checked for what are believed to be minor injuries.

The occupants of the Ford Escort, were four men, aged 19, 24, 25 and 32.

Three of the men, aged 19, 24 and 25 were subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving offences and on suspicion of failing to stop for police.

The vehicle was suspected to be stolen and the 19-year-old, 24-year-old and the 25-year-old were also arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking.

The 19-year-old man received hospital treatment for injuries to his head.

Police have said the three men have been released under investigation while inquiries continue.

The fourth man, aged 32, remains in hospital with multiple fractures.

One of the men was cut free from the car by Cleveland Fire Brigade, which sent crews from Hartlepool and Billingham to the scene, with the road closed for several hours while investigations began.

A spokesperson for the force said: “As is routine in such incidents, we have notified the Independent Office for Police Conduct of this collision.

“We would like to thank motorists for their patience and co-operation during the disruption to traffic flow while collision investigation work took place.

“We would also appeal for anyone with information or dash cam footage who has not yet spoken to officers to contact Cleveland Police via the 101 number.”

Anyone with information is asked to quote reference number 196060.

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