A TEENAGER was arrested after a stolen car crashed into a church graveyard wall during a police chase and damaged headstones.

Police said the 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of burglary following the incident which happened at Our Lady and Saint Hubert’s Catholic Church in Great Harwood at around 3.15am yesterday.

It is believed a number of headstones were damaged in the incident.

Police were pursuing the car after as the keys for the Land Rover had been reported stolen from a house the previous day.

Following the crash police said that four people ran from the vehicle. The 17-year-old was arrested after being apprehended by a police dog. He was taken to hospital with an arm injury.

The Diocese of Salford said it will look to repair any damage to headstones as soon as possible.

A spokesman said: “We have been made aware of possible damage to headstones at Our Lady and St Hubert’s.

“Diocesan contractors are investigating and will take any remedial action needed as soon as possible.”

Councillors have spoken of their shock at the incident and said they will work with the church to ensure any damaged headstones are repaired.

Cllr Noordad Aziz said: “If there has been any damage to headstones then as ward councillors we will work with the church to ensure they are repaired. The priority is to make sure we minimise the distress caused to the families of the deceased.

“This type of behaviour is absolutely unacceptable and completely reckless. It is fortunate nobody has been seriously injured.

“The only positive is that at least it shows police are aware of criminal behaviour in Hyndburn and tackling it.”

A police spokesman said: “At around 3.15am on November 22 a stolen Land Rover crashed into the wall of a church yard in St Hubert Street, Great Harwood. The vehicle was being pursued by officers at the time. Damage has been caused to the church wall and there is damage to at least one headstone.

“Four people have exited the vehicle and they have run off towards Queens Road. They were chased by police officers and the police dog unit.

“A 17-year-old male was arrested nearby after being tackled by a police dog. He has been arrested on suspicion of burglary.

“Enquiries are ongoing to trace the other offenders.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting log 100 of November 22.