Driver, 15, in 60mph chase

A police probe was launched today into the incident, after the stolen car being pursued by officers crashed into a vehicle pulling out of a side street.

Police were alerted at 3.55pm yesterday after receiving reports a 15-year-old was driving a Peugeot 406 around the Railway Street area.

Officers saw the car about 25 minutes later and gave chase when it failed to stop.

When in Hibson Road the Peugeot smashed into a Toyota Carina pulling out of Duerden Street. The impact forced the car to stop in Netherfield Road.

A police car was slightly damaged when three youths in the Peugeot tried to flee the scene.

Two 16-year-old boys from Nelson were arrested at the scene and were today being questioned by police. A third youth is still wanted by police.

The driver of the Carina, a 40-year-old Nelson man, was taken to Burnley General Hospital with minor chest injuries and shock.

A Lancashire Police spokeswoman today said the actual chase lasted for two minutes during which the response car had flashing blue lights and sirens on.

She added: "We received a call that a 15-year-old was driving around the Railway Street area of Nelson.

"The Peugeot 406 was sighted but it failed to stop and continued to travel reaching speeds of up to 60 mph.

"The car was by the junction of Duerden Street when a Toyota Carina driven by a 40-year-old local man turned into its path.

"As a result of the impact the car came to rest in Netherfield Road.

"An investigation is taking place to establish what happened and if the correct protocol was followed."

l A man has been charged following a 100mph police chase down the M65 from Colne to Manchester which started at 1.30am yesterday.

Akbar Ullah, 27, of Leeds Road, Nelson, was charged with dangerous driving, driving with no licence, driving without insurance, failing to stop after an accident, failing to provide a blood sample for analysis and obstructing police.

Ullah was bailed to appear before Burnley magistrates.