Teenager in fatal crash after police pursuit

The three young men were in a silver Peugeot 106 when they

were seen by a marked police patrol car near Weetwood police station in Otley Road at around 9.30pm on Tuesday.

Police said the car failed to stop for the officers and sped off towards Otley. As the vehicle entered Otley the officers backed off because of the way it was being driven and its speed.

The officers then lost sight of the Peugeot.

A short time later, believed to be around 10 minutes after the car was first spotted by police, the Peugeot went out of control and left Otley Old Road, Bramhope, landing on its roof in a garden.

It was seen to have crashed by officers on the force's helicopter, said a police spokesman.

The crash happened near to the entrance to St Helena's Caravan Park in Otley Old Road.

An 18-year-old in the car died and another 18-year-old suffered serious injuries which have left him in a critical condition in Leeds General Infirmary.

A third man, 19, believed to be a rear seat passenger, sustained serious but not life threatening injuries. He is being treated for his injuries at Leeds General Infirmary.

All three men are from the Horsforth area of Leeds, police said.

The West Yorkshire Force's Professional Standards Department and the Independent Police Complaints Commission have been notified.

The police spokesman said investigations were continuing into the crash and to establish who was driving and who had been passengers.

Fire crews called to the crash scene released the three men, who were trapped.

The police spokesman added: "Anyone who witnessed the collision or saw the vehicle being driven in the area during the time leading up to the collision is asked to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 01924 293047."