THE driver of a car involved in a police chase suffered serious injuries when he crashed into a tree.

He and a passenger in the car are both in a stable condition in Leeds General Infirmary after last night's accident.

The red Audi A3, with four people inside, failed to stop for police in the Weetwood area of Leeds at 7.23pm, leading to a police chase which ended in the accident on Harrogate Road, Bradford, at 7.39pm.

The other two men escaped without serious injury.

All four men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. Two 19-year-olds remain in custody this morning.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which is normal procedure when a police chase ends in a crash.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Fountain of Protective Services, Crime, said: "We are investigating the circumstances of what took place and are appealing for anyone who may have seen the collision involving the Audi to contact us.

"We have voluntarily referred this incident to the IPCC and we are working together to investigate the facts of this case.

"Anyone who has information is asked to contact Bradford Police on 101."