A major investigation is underway after a high-speed police chase resulted in a horror crash injuring six children.

The youths were hurt at about 11.15pm on Tuesday night when a BMW crashed along The Slade in Headington.

Five teenagers have since been arrested and officers have referred themselves to the police watchdog.

Oxford officers attempted to intercept the BMW after it was allegedly seen driving erratically and at high speed on the Eastern Bypass.

After failing to stop a chase continued through the town before the suspects collided with a Black VW Touran driving through Headington.

Four children sustained serious injuries and two children sustained minor injuries.

They remain in hospital at this time.

The driver of the Touran received minor injuries.

Detective inspector Justin Thomas, of the serious collision investigation unit, said: “We would like to appeal to anybody who may have witnessed this incident or was in the area at the time of the collision.

“If anyone has any dash-cam or CCTV footage or information about this incident please get in touch.

“Our thoughts are with the family affected and specially trained officers will continue to support them throughout this investigation.”

Thames Valley Police confirmed a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct has been made, as is the procedure in these circumstances.

Residents reported seeing The Slade cordoned off in both directions well into the early hours of Wednesday morning (October 25) with multiple emergency service vehicles present at the scene.

Pictures from the scene yesterday (Thursday) showed damage to the fence of a property in the area.

Oxford Mail: The scene of the crash

As the investigation continues, police have now revealed details of a series of arrests.

Two 19-year-old men from Oxford have been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs and driving a vehicle dangerously. They have been bailed.

An 18-year-old man from Oxford has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs and driving a vehicle dangerously. He remains in police custody.

A 19-year-old man from Oxford has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving a vehicle with a proportion of a specified controlled drug over the specified limit. He has been bailed.

An 18-year-old man from Oxford has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs, driving a vehicle dangerously and driving whilst unfit through drink. He has been bailed.