Teenager dies after car crashes into tree

The car crashed into a tree near the junction of Coombs Road and Amber Way

A 17-year-old boy has died after the car he was driving crashed into a tree following a police pursuit.

It happened near the junction of Coombs Road and Amber Way, Halesowen, at about 03:15 GMT on Friday.

The car he was in had failed to stop for police moments before hitting the tree, police said.

Two 16-year-olds also in the car were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be serious and have been arrested on suspicion of theft.

The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), West Midlands Police said.

Roads nearby were closed while investigators worked to establish the circumstances of the crash.

The IOPC said the crash happened "following a short pursuit" involving West Midlands Police and Staffordshire Police.

"The driver was confirmed dead at the scene and two passengers were taken to hospital with injuries," a spokesperson added.

"We declared an independent investigation at 05:00 GMT."

Investigators had been sent to the scene to gather evidence and police dashcam footage, they added.