JOYRIDERS smashed into a van after losing control of a stolen car in Rossendale during the early hours of this morning.

The stolen black Peugeot 206 was ‘extensively damaged’ following the smash in Burnley Road East at around 2am, as was the Fiat van, police said.

Inspector John Fryer said he believed the car had been speeding shortly before it crashed.

He added: “The van was parked outside the owner’s house. The man heard a big crash, and saw a car crashed into his van. Two men in the vehicle were seen running off.”

Nobody was hurt in the incident.

• Two local teenagers, both 17, were arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking, while one was further arrested for not having insurance. The pair were due to be questioned later today, police said.