TWO police officers were injured yesterday when their van was rammed by youths driving a car.

One officer was taken to the University of Hartlepool Hospital suffering from whiplash and a bruised leg, while his colleague suffered a sprained wrist.

They were injured after being called to Grange Road, Hartlepool, where they had received reports of four youths speeding in a Ford Escort.

Attempting to cut the car off, officers drove their police van to St Paul's Road, at its junction with Thornton Street. Seconds later, the Escort collided with the van.

Police said officers arrested one male on suspicion of drink driving and taking a vehicle without consent.

Three other male youths were also arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent.

One youth, in his late teens, has been charged with driving with excess alcohol, driving while disqualified, having no insurance and careless driving.

He is due before magistrates in the town tomorrow morning. One passenger was also charged with breaching his bail, while the other two were released without charge.