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Three-year-old boy fighting for life after being hit by stolen van in police chase

Two teenagers have been arrested after a three-year-old boy was hit by a stolen van as it fled police.

Leo Durrington is fighting for his life after being struck by a white Ford Transit Connect van which was being followed by officers in Leigh, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday morning.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking and failing to stop or report following a collision.

A 15-year-old was detained on suspicion of allowing himself to be carried in a stolen vehicle.

Leo, from Wigan, is in a critical condition in hospital, a police spokesman said.

Officers gave first aid to the boy before paramedics and an air ambulance arrived.

The van failed to stop shortly before 10.35am and was later recovered by police in Abram, Wigan.

Sergeant Lee Westhead, of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Thanks to the quick work of our officers, and information received from the public, we have managed to make two arrests following this horrendous incident earlier today.

"I would like to thank everyone who has come forward to police with information so far but our investigation does not stop here, and I would ask anyone with information about what happened to please get in touch with police.

"Leo is still in a critical condition in hospital, and my thoughts are with him and his family at this incredibly difficult time."

The incident has been referred to the force's professional standard's branch "in line with normal force policy", a GMP spokesman said.

Rugby League star Shaun Ainscough, who plays for Batley Bulldogs and has four children, wrote on social media that he had walked past the scene.

"I hope those kids pull through not a nice thing to see air ambulance sent in on Wigan Road," he tweeted. "Prayers are with you guys."