Woman, 19, seriously injured after car hits lamppost in London police chase

Police refer incident in south London to independent watchdog

Police said the occupants of the car failed to stop for officers in Streatham (PA)

A teenager is in critical condition after a car being pursued by police crashed into a lamppost in London.

The 19-year-old was one of five women taken to hospital after the collision in south London early on Sunday morning.

An investigation has been launched by the Metropolitan Police, which has referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Police said officers had flagged down the car near Streatham Common at around 4.25pm.

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"The car failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated," the force said in a statement.

"A short time later the car was in collision with a lamppost in Greyhound Lane.

"London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade attended the scene.

"The five occupants of the car were taken to hospital for treatment. Three women remain in hospital, one of whom, aged 19 years, is in a critical condition."

The two women who have been discharged from hospital were arrested and are in police custody. Two of the women still in hospital have also been arrested.

Greyhound Lane was closed on Sunday as officers from the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit made inquiries.

Officers have urged any witnesses to contact them on 020 8285 1574.