AN INVESTIGATION is under way into the cause of an accident near Southampton last night between a police car and a car driven by a teenager.

The accident left two police officers and the 18-year-old male driver of the second car needing hospital treatment, though their injuries have been described as serious but not life-threatening.

The accident, involving a police BMW estate car and a red Vauxhall Corsa, happened on the south side of Grange Road near Netley shortly after 9.30pm. The police car had been travelling south on the road with the Corsa heading in the opposite direction when the two cars collided.

Fire fighters and emergency staff were quickly on the scene, with all occupants cut free by fire crews, who used the hydraulic cutting gear to remove both the cars' roofs.

The youth, who has not yet been named, suffered face, leg and chest injuries.

The two officers in the other car both received whiplash injuries with the driver of the police car also receiving serious leg injuries.

One officer has since been released from Southampton General Hospital where all three were taken by ambulance.

Potential witnesses have been urged to contact police on 0845 045 4545.