Oxford: Six children injured in car crash during police pursuit

The incident happened on The Slade in Oxford

Six children have been injured - four seriously - in a crash during a police pursuit.

Officers said a BMW seen driving fast and erratically failed to stop before colliding with a Black VW Touran on The Slade, Oxford, on Tuesday night.

The six children were taken to hospital. The driver of the Touran sustained minor injuries.

Five men, all from Oxford, were arrested and the incident has been referred to the police watchdog.

• Two 19-year-olds have been bailed on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs and driving a vehicle dangerously

• An 18-year-old is in custody on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs and driving a vehicle dangerously

• A 19-year-old was bailed on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving a vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug over the specified limit

• An 18-year-old was also bailed on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs, driving a vehicle dangerously and driving whilst unfit through drink

Thames Valley Police said it tried to stop the BMW on the Eastern Bypass at 23:10 BST before it sped off.

The force confirmed officers were still pursuing the car, but were a short time behind it, at the time of the crash.

In line with procedure, the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Police have not confirmed the ages of the children involved.

Police are appealing for witnesses, including anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage.