A POLICEMAN has been injured following a car chase across a North-East town.

The 41-year-old constable sustained whip lash injuries after Cleveland Police say his patrol car was rammed.

Police Inspector Peter Jones said: "The officer had been following a Ford Fiesta vehicle in Park Road, Hartlepool. The vehicle failed to stop for the officer and sped away.

"It was pursued along Catcote Road and into Owington Manor Lane where the driver performed a hand brake turn and rammed the police vehicle head on. The driver and passenger were subsequently arrested."

Police say neither the 25-year-old driver of the pursued car nor his 17-year-old passenger were injured, but the unnamed officer, who has 23 years police service, was treated in hospital for whiplash injuries.

Both the police car and the Fiesta were extensively damaged in the late night incident.