A 14-year-old was arrested by police after a car he was in hit a wall on Clacton seafront.

The Ford Escort was discovered embedded in the wall at the Colchester Institute on the corner of Thoroughgood Road and Marine Parade East. The vehicle burst into flames.

An ambulance was called to the accident at about 8pm last night and one of the youngsters in the car was taken to Colchester General Hospital. It is not thought his injuries were life-threatening.

Insp Kevan Griggs of Clacton police said officers were waiting to question the injured person. However, following further inquiries, another teenager was found in Clacton town centre.

Insp Griggs said: "He was arrested and we have taken blood samples for analysis and questioned him. He has been bailed and will be seen again at the station on January 12."

In a separate incident, a passer-by alerted officers at about 1.30am today after he saw a vehicle burst into flames and two youths one boy and one girl run off.

They made off across a field towards Clacton fire station in St John's Road. Police are appealing for anyone who saw the youngsters to come forward.

A police tracker dog followed the trail to nearby Litchfield Close where a damaged VW Polo was discovered half on the pavement and half on the road with its window smashed. Officers are linking this to the Pathfields Road incident.

Anyone who can help police with their inquiries is asked to contact them on 01255 221312 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Friday December 28, 2001