An officer was injured during a car chase involving a suspected thief, police said.

A car was stopped by a police vehicle during a “tactical encounter” in Shildon, County Durham, on Thursday, Durham Constabulary said.

Two people, aged 21 and 25, were detained at the scene.

A police helicopter and the force’s Roads and Armed Policing Unit joined the pursuit at Chilton Ferryhill.

Police said the vehicle’s headlights were not on and at some points it was driving at a high rate of speed on the wrong side of the road.

“Tactical contact” involved striking the vehicle to stop it.

The 21-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of theft, dangerous driving, driving without a licence, failing to stop and being uninsured.

The 25-year-old passenger was arrested on suspicion of theft.

Both remain in police custody.

Police continue to work to catch two people who escaped from the scene.

Police have not released further details about the officer’s injuries.