Police have launched an inquiry after four people were injured in a car being tracked by police in south Liverpool.

A patrol car began to follow the black Honda Prelude on Ullet Road in the Sefton Park area but backed away when the force helicopter began to monitor it.

However the 22-year-old driver lost control of the car about four miles away in Hillfoot Road, Woolton, and crashed into a lamppost after 0300 GMT on Friday.

A woman was thrown from the car on impact and a 21-year-old man had to be cut free from the vehicle.

Spinal injuries

The woman, 22, suffered spinal injuries and both the man's legs were broken.

The other two occupants of the car - a 17-year-old girl and the 22-year-old male driver - suffered cuts and bruises.

The two men and two women are now recovering in the Royal Liverpool Hospital.

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "A police helicopter monitored the progress of the Honda while a police car kept a safe distance behind.

"It appears the driver lost control of the car which collided with a lamppost .

"Inquiries are continuing into the incident.

"Merseyside Police are appealing for any witnesses to the incident to come forward."