Two teenagers have been arrested after a three-year-old was hit by a stolen van during police chase

Two teenagers have been arrested after a three-year-old boy was left fighting for life after being hit by a stolen van.

Little Leo Durrington was ripped from his mother's hands and flung across a pub car park following the horrific crash in Leigh on Tuesday morning.

Police, who had been chasing the Ford Transit Connect after it failed to stop on Wigan Road, immediately stopped and began performing emergency first aid, but the van fled the scene towards Twist Lane.

Leo was taken to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital where he remains in a critical condition with his family at his bedside.

GMP confirmed on Tuesday night that two boys, aged 15 and 16, had been arrested in connection with the incident.

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

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

The incident has been referred to GMP's Professional Standard’s Branch who have made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in line with normal force policy.

Senior police officers say the youngster had been walking with his mother and nine-year-old sister near to the Tamar pub, at the junction of Nel Pan Lane and Wigan Road, when the van mounted the pavement and hit him.

Miraculously his sister and mother were unharmed.

The van - which was stolen from the Wigan area the day before - was later found abandoned on St John Street, in Abram.

Sgt 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.

Police at the scene in Leigh.

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

Anyone with information should call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or 101 quoting reference number 628 of October 30.

Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.