POLICE are investigating a crash between two of their own vehicles which left two officers needing hospital treatment.

The officers were hurt when their patrol vehicles, a Land Rover and a police dog van, collided on the A1 at Seaton Burn, North Tyneside.

The accident happened near the junction with the A19, in the early hours of Saturday and the road was closed for several hours.

While responding to an emergency, the police patrol Land Rover collided with the police transit van, travelling in the same direction, which then overturned.

Both officers suffered whiplash injuries and were taken to Wansbeck Hospital in Ashington, Northumberland, for treatment but were later released.

A police dog had to be cut free from the upturned van, but was not hurt.

No members of the public were involved.

The crash happened after police were called to an incident involving three suspicious males near Ilford Road Metro station in Newcastle.

One youth was arrested at the scene, but a vehicle made off and was followed by police along the A1 to Stannington village where it stopped. Two youths were then arrested.

The vehicles involved in the accident were on their way to assist with the incident.

Inspector Neil Fraser, of Northumbria Police, said: "Police drivers receive specific training, and this was an unfortunate incident in which no members of the public were involved."

An investigation into the accident is ongoing.