An early hours rampage through the streets of a Chorley village led to a police chase after 16 cars were damaged.

The wrecking spree, centred on the Greenside area of Euxton, took place at around 2am on Saturday morning. A stolen vehicle was crashed into a car parked on a driveway after a police pursuit and numerous other cars were either broken into or vandalised.

Residents awoke to see two youths being pursued by several officers on foot after the thieves had abandoned the crashed car and fled.

Police said that the spree was confined to a small area around Greenside and that some of the cars were broken into and driven short distances. Several cars had windows smashed and others wing mirrors broken off.

Two youths were arrested at the scene and were later released on police bail. Investigations are continuing with forensic evidence taken from the scene being analysed.

Richard Booth, of Chorley Police, said: "There were 16 vehicles damaged or taken during a short period of time. The incidents followed a pattern and seems to be random vandalism and criminal damage.

"I would like to appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious around the Greenside area in the early hours of Saturday to contact us at the police station on 01257 269021."