Teens arrested after car chase

A police automatic number plate recognition camera detected a Nissan Micra car, stolen earlier from Hastings, being driven in the Rye area on Sunday May 5 at 11.30pm.

Police swiftly found the car and officers followed it into Hastings where the car, driven at speeds of up to 65mph.

The vehicle was eventually stopped in Nelson Road near Morrisons car park.

The front seat passenger was arrested outside the car, the rear seat passenger ran off but was quickly detained.

The driver was arrested soon afterwards after running into nearby Alexander Park and into gardens of adjacent houses, as the result of work by ground units and a police helicopter.

A police officer received a hand injury, causing swelling and bruising, whilst arresting the front seat passenger.

A 16-year old boy and a 17-year old boy, both from Hastings, were due to appear in custody at Brighton Magistrates Court on Tuesday 7 May.

The 16-year old is charged with aggravated vehicle theft and having no driving licence and no insurance, and the 17-year old is charged with assault on police and with offences of criminal damage and assault by beating allegedly committed in a separate incident on March 16.

The third occupant of the car, a 20-year old local man was arrested on suspicion of theft of the vehicle and was released on police bail until 19 June while enquiries continue.

To report crime call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.