Joyriders hurt in car crash

(First Edition)

FOUR joyriding teenagers absconding from council care were injured yesterday when their car hit an iron bridge near Ingleton, North Yorkshire, while followed by police, writes Jonathan Foster.

One, a 15-year-old girl, was in intensive care in Preston, Lancashire. A second 15-year-old girl was seriously ill in Lancaster Infirmary. Both had head injuries.

Two 16-year-old boys, one of whom was driving the Vauxhall Astra stolen in Hornby, Lancashire, received hospital treatment and were arrested.

The teenagers were in the care of Manchester council, and were reported missing when they failed to return on Sunday. None was in secure accommodation. The city's social services said they were allowed to leave the homes to meet family and friends.

North Yorkshire police said the patrol car had kept 'a reasonable distance'.