FIFTEEN-year-old boys have been arrested following a carjacking and a police chase over the weekend.

The two teenagers were seized with a 21-year-old after a car chase on the M61 on Saturday morning.

The pursuit followed a violent carjacking the previous afternoon.

A woman, aged 75, had been walking her dog in Moss Bank Park when she was confronted by three masked men as she returned to her car.

They threatened the woman, threw her to the ground and snatched her car keys from her hands.

The trio leapt into her red Mercedes A-Class and sped off.

The woman was left unhurt but severely shaken up following the ordeal at 4.30pm, said police.

The following morning police officers spotted the stolen car being driven along Watergate Lane, Over Hulton at 11.15am.

They gave chase and the Mercedes was driven on to the M61. Police chased it southbound down the motorway.

The car came off at Junction 3 for the Kearsley spur, then tried to do a U-turn and drive against the flow of traffic.

The officers were able "to make tactical contact" and bring the Mercedes a halt, said police.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of robbery, dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified. He was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries sustained in the collision but he has since been released.

Officers also arrested a 21-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of robbery. All three remain in custody for questioning.

Three officers suffered minor injuries.

Anyone with any information should police on 0161 856 4741 alternatively call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.