Statement Following Police Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle in Hartlepool

Around 2:15pm today, Saturday 27^th September, officers spotted a stolen Vauxhall Corsa on Raby Road South in Hartlepool which had a number of occupants.

The Corsa made off from police and was pursued by officers into the Greatham area, where it headed towards farmland on Marsh House Lane, before coming to a stop after colliding with a derelict farm building.

Unfortunately, the Corsa collided with a dog belonging to a member of the public during the incident, which has died from its injuries. Our sincere condolences go to the owners of the dog.

Two boys aged 14 and 16 have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The boy aged 16 suffered a suspected broken arm in the incident and was taken to the University Hospital of North Tees. The second boy aged 14 suffered back pain and was also taken to hospital for treatment.

Enquiries are ongoing in relation to the collision and in order to identify others who may have been in the Vauxhall Corsa at the time.

A referral is being made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is mandatory in these circumstances.