A YOUNG driver is battling for his life in hospital after a police pursuit ended in horrific circumstances.

The 16-year-old boy was thrown from the Escort van he was driving after it collided with a road sign on Sevenoaks Way, St Paul's Cray, just after 1am this morning.

Kent Police had been following the van from Swanley after reports that an Escort van had been stolen in the area.

Both the driver and a young male passenger were taken to Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup. The driver remains in a critical condition, while the passenger is stable.

London Fire Brigade and Met police officers from Bromley attended the scene and administered first aid until London Ambulance arrived. Sevenoaks Way was closed in both directions after the incident.

Metropolitan Police officers are investigating the crash and Kent Police are investigating the suspected theft of a car.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has been alerted as the crash occurred during a police pursuit.