Two police officers have been seriously injured after crashing while pursuing a stolen car.
The police car hit a traffic island and three parked vehicles before coming to rest in a garden in Drum Brae Drive, Edinburgh, at about 4am on Thursday.
The male and female officers suffered “various” injuries and are being treated at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, the force said.
The situation could have been even worse if not for the “skill and courage” of the officers, divisional commander chief superintendent Mark Williams said.
The officers were pursuing a Mini at the time of the crash and police are appealing for any information on the vehicle.
Chief Inspector Stephen Innes said: “Two officers sustained various injuries after the vehicle collided with a traffic island and three parked vehicles before coming to rest in a private garden.
“The officers are currently receiving treatment at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and enquiries into the full circumstances of this incident are currently ongoing.”
Mr Williams added: “This collision resulted in serious injuries for the officers involved and it is testament to their skill and courage that it wasn’t even worse.
“This incident also highlights the absolute recklessness and selfishness of these criminals, who have no concern for the safety of themselves or the public.
“We are focusing on finding those responsible as a priority and I would encourage anyone who remembers seeing this Mini, or who has any other information that can assist us in our investigations to track these individuals down, to get in touch immediately.”