Two teenagers have been arrested for stealing a car before failing to stop for police on the A66 overnight.

The teens, aged 15 and 17, spent the day (Wednesday, September 25) in police custody after the car was stopped heading towards Darlington.

 Officers spotted it travelling on the A66 in Middlesbrough, heading west, in the early hours and managed to stop the vehicle using a stinger.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of a string of offences, including dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and taking the vehicle without the owners’ consent.

A 15-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

It comes amid a national campaign aimed at improving road safety among young drivers.

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A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “Operation Spotlight is a national two-week road safety campaign aimed at young drivers and riders; which aims to raise awareness of the ‘fatal four’ contributing factors in serious and fatal collisions.

“Two teenagers were arrested after a suspected stolen vehicle was spotted by Matrix Team officers. Both remain in police custody at this time.”