Inquiry into fatal police crash

The Peugeot collided with a marked BMW traffic car

The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) has begun an investigation after a fatal crash involving a police car in County Durham.

Carl Sutcliffe, 19, from Bishop Auckland, died on Monday night when his car was in collision with a marked police BMW.

Two policemen from Durham Constabulary were treated in hospital for minor injuries.

Police made an appeal on Wednesday for the occupants of two sports cars to come forward with information.

Crash impact

The cars - both which failed to stop - were being pursued by police at the time of the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Bruce Turnbull, who is leading the investigation for the PCA, told BBC Radio Newcastle: "I want these people to come forward.

"They may have seen the accident in their rear view mirror or have heard the impact behind them.

"We need to identify these vehicles and the people in them to see if they can shed any light on the accident."

Mr Sutcliffe, of Bishop Auckland, was flung from his Peugeot 309 in the collision with the police BMW on the A689 towards Coundon.

Freed from wreckage

He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident which occurred just before 2230 BST on Monday night.

It is believed the Peugeot drove into the path of the police car after emerging from the Eldon Lane junction on to the A689.

Police Constable Neil Fuller, 27, was trapped in the front passenger seat in the police car for 45 minutes before being freed by the emergency services.

He was kept overnight at Darlington Memorial Hospital for treatment to leg injuries.

Driver PC Gary Emerson was treated for shock and bruises.