A TEENAGER has been arrested after fleeing from police and crashing a suspected stolen vehicle.

The 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and burglary after officers spotted the Vauxhall Zafira jumping a red light at Cockton Hill crossroads and gave pursuit at 2.15am yesterday.

Officers pursued the car onto the A688 Bishop Auckland bypass before it crashed at the Eldon roundabout. The teenager made off and was pursued on foot before officers caught him.

A Durham Constabulary said the boy was "threatening and violent". He is currently in custody.

A police spokeswoman said: “Response officers saw a vehicle pass through a red traffic light at excess speed. They followed and the driver failed to stop. The vehicle drove onto the A688 Bishop Auckland bypass before it crashed at Eldon roundabout a short time later. The teenager made off towards Eldon and was pursued on foot. The officers caught the suspect who was threatening and violent before he was arrested.

“The investigations are still in the early stages but it would appear that the vehicle was stolen earlier that night.”