The crash happened on the B1284, in Hetton-le-Hole, at 0130 BST on Sunday.

An investigation is under way by Durham Police, which will be supervised by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).

Brian Kenneth Lynch, 18, from North Crescent, Easington, who was driving the red Renault Clio, was pronounced dead at the scene.

A spokesman for Durham Police said Mr Lynch hit a wall after coming off at a bend in the road.

'Refused to stop'

Police said the incident began when officers on a routine patrol in a marked car spotted the Clio travelling on the A182 driving without its headlights switched on.

A force spokesman said: "The officers activated their blue lights and followed the Clio which, although travelling within the speed limit, refused to stop.

"After following for about one-and-a-half miles, the Clio turned at a mini-roundabout and travelled back in the direction it had come.

"At that point the Clio accelerated away and the officers lost sight of it.

"As the officers subsequently searched the area they were flagged down by three pedestrians who had witnessed the accident."

Durham Police said it had voluntarily referred to the incident to the PCA.