A POLICE pursuit ended with a car crashing into a field and two teenagers being taken to hospital.

An investigation is to be launched by the Independent Police Complaints Commission after the incident in Altham Lane, Altham, at 2.30am yesterday.

Police said a 19-year-old man and 15-year-old girl were taken to hospital after the vehicle they were travelling in crashed into a field.

Officers said the vehicle had failed to stop for a uniform patrol car in Dunkenhalgh Way, Accrington, and made off towards Altham.

Shortly afterwards, the vehicle careered into a field in Altham Lane, where officers caught up with them.

The driver of the vehicle was detained by police, but not arrested.

His teenage passenger was trapped in the passenger seat and had to be cut out by firefighters from Accrington.

The couple, from Blackburn, were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital by ambulance, suffering minor injuries.

Police said they were last night waiting to question the pair when they were released from hospital.

A police spokesman said it was thought the pursuit did not reach high speeds.

Burnley Road was closed to traffic by police until 8am, while the accident was cleared.

An investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.

The incident is being referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission as a matter of course, because a police patrol car was involved.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, is urged to contact police on 0845 1 25 35.