Four teenagers were hurt - one of them badly - when the car they were travelling in spun out of control and crashed as it was followed by a police car.

Two of the youngsters were catapulted out of the back seat of the car - a gold coloured Ford Escort - as it careered out of control on a bend. Two others were released by fire fighters from the wreckage.

Crews also cut free a couple trapped in a Renault Megan which was struck by the speeding Escort.

The youngsters' car slammed into the Megane after first clipping another moving car, while taking a right hand bend on Station Lane, Seaton Carew, at speed.

The 16-year-old driver of the Escort is being treated in Hartlepool General Hospital for neck and back injuries and a fractured ankle.

A 15-year-old passenger was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, with a fractured skull. The injury is not thought to be life threatening.

Another 15-year-old suffered a broken leg, and another 15-year-old was kept in Hartlepool General Hospital, overnight on Thursday, for observation.

A fifth teenager fled from the scene. The couple who had been trapped in the Renault were treated for whiplash injuries.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "When the police driver put on his blue lights and siren the Ford Escort made off at speed along Station Lane towards Golden Flatts roundabout.

"Police lost sight of the vehicle on a sweeping right hand bend. Moments later they found that the driver of the Ford Escort had lost control. It had spun around, throwing two people out and across the road, clipped one on coming vehicle and crashed into a Renault Megan that was travelling in the opposite direction.

"We are looking for this fifth person who has run off,'' the spokesman added. The incident happened just after 8pm on Thursday. Anyone who can help the police should contact the Force's accident investigation unit on (01642) 301558.