A massive search was launched today when two teenage joy-riders fled from a stolen car after a car chase ended in a head-on smash.

Police dogs scoured Stanmer Park in Brighton as a search helicopter hovered overhead following the accident at about 8am this morning.

Two teenagers ran from the stolen Suzuki Swift but were traced after the search and found hiding in bushes.

An 18-year-old youth and a 15-year-old friend were taken to Brighton police station where they were being questioned about the crash.

The driver of the second vehicle, a man in his 70s, suffered a minor head injury.

Police units swamped the area to join the hunt near the entrance to the park, off Lewes Road.

The force helicopter hovered above as dog units moved into a wooded area.

Police think the dogs scared the two suspects out into the open seconds before the capture.

PC Mark Andrews made the arrests. He said: "They came quietly. There was no struggling."

Dog walkers and people enjoying the park watched the drama unfold.

One eye witness said: "It was like a scene from The Bill.

"There is a lot of car crime in this area and it is great seeing police bring in prisoners."