POLICE were today continuing to question a man after a teenage boy was killed and another critically injured when a car being hunted by officers ploughed into a group of youngsters. The two 15-year-olds, who have not been named, were struck by a blue Volvo car as they walked down Bishop’s Hill in Ipswich.

POLICE were last night continuing to question a man after a teenage boy was killed and another critically injured when a car being hunted by officers ploughed into a group of youngsters.

The two 15-year-olds, who have not been named, were struck by a blue Volvo car as they walked down Bishop's Hill in Ipswich yesterday lunchtime.

Doctors could not save one of the teenagers, while his friend remained in a critical condition last night. A girl, who was believed to be one of the boys' girlfriends, was physically unharmed but extremely distressed.

Detectives are still questioning a 33-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident and on suspicion of driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

He was arrested after the blue Volvo he was driving collided with a wall in Key Street, near the town's docks.

Traffic remained gridlocked around the town for several hours after the crash, which happened as the three teenagers were walking on Bishop's Hill.

Police were originally called to a domestic incident in Boyton Road just before 12.30pm, in which eyewitnesses reported seeing a blue Volvo.

Police attended the scene, but the car had already left and its details were broadcast to other officers in the area. A woman, believed to be the Volvo driver's wife, suffered minor injuries that did not require treatment.

Soon afterwards, a police Transit van driving on Bishop's Hill saw a car matching the description. It stopped and turned after the car had passed.

Moments later, the car hit the two 15-year-old boys, both from Ipswich. Police officers stopped to give assistance to the injured teenagers but the offending car left the scene.

The 33-year-old man was arrested just a couple of minutes later after his vehicle hit a wall in Key Street.

Police said the van was not pursuing the car at the time of the collision with the boys and did not have its lights flashing.

Supt Carl Puiy, of Suffolk police, said there were a number of witnesses to the incident, but appealed for anyone who saw the car on its journey to come forward.

"If anyone saw a blue Volvo in Boyton Road, Nacton Road, Bishop's Hill or in the one-way system up to Key Street, we would urge them to contact us," he said.

"We want to investigate thoroughly to find out what happened. If any members of the public saw this car it could be of significant importance."

He said the girl who was with the two boys, who is also believed to be aged 15, was a "major witness" in the inquiry. She managed to avoid the collision but was in "a great deal of distress" last night and being offered victim support.

Supt Puiy said an officer travelling in the Transit van had seen the collision and was "badly shaken" by the incident, although he was able to remain on duty. Police are also investigating the original incident in Boyton Road. He added a standard police inquiry would be carried out into handling of the incident.

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call Suffolk police on 01473 613500.