Police mounted a search for four suspects after a car collided with a taxi in a North East town following a police chase this evening (Monday, January 15).

Eye witnesses described a blue Ford Fiesta being chased by several police vehicles along the A139 in Norton, before the collision happened in Beaconsfield Road, shortly after 9.30pm on Monday night. 

Four suspects were seen getting out of the car and running away as patrol cars descended on the scene. 

The taxi driver is not believed to have been hurt.

A police helicopter was called in to help with the search and a police drone was deployed as well. 

Officer remained at the scene for nearly an hour. At this stage, it is not known if any arrests were made. 

One eye witness, who did not wish to be named said: "I was out walking my dog when I say a Fiesta coming down the A139 from Norton with about six or seven police vehicles behind it.

"It went to turn into Beaconsfield Road and crashed into a taxi. Four people got out and ran away."

The collision was described as a glancing blow and the taxi driver, apparently unhurt, was seen speaking to officers.

Another eye witness, who did not wish to be named, said to The Northern Echo, said: "I heard a crash and looked out of my window to see a car whip up Beaconsfield Road away from the junction. 

"I saw a load of police vehicles come through - there were at least six vehicles including a police van. 

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"The police were there for at least 35 to 40 minutes. There was police drone as well as a police helicopter above helping in the search. 

"People at the scene, when I went out there, told me people had got out of the car and ran away."

Cleveland Police have been contacted for more information.