Three people were injured after police became involved in a chase with a stolen car they were told not to pursue.

The vehicle they were following collided with a car being driven along Dornoch Road in Holytown, leaving three people from that car in hospital.

The officers were told twice that they were not allowed to pursue the car.

An inquiry by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) found the chase played a part in causing the crash on July 25 last year.

It said statements given by the officers claiming they did not engage in a pursuit were contradicted by witnesses.

The chase lasted for less than half a mile, it is understood.

A spokesman for the Pirc said: "The actions of the police driver in pursuing the stolen car influenced the behaviour of the driver and contributed to the collision and subsequent injuries to those travelling in one of the vehicles.

"A series of recommendations have been provided to Police Scotland in relation to vehicle pursuits to mitigate against a similar incident happening again."

The people injured in the collision - none of whom were travelling in the stolen car - suffered wounds including whiplash, burns and bruising. An eight-month-old baby in the same car was uninjured.

The driver of the stolen car was arrested near the scene of the collision and charged with a series of offences.

He was sentenced to 100 hours of community service at Hamilton Sheriff Court in January and fined £700.

Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Roddy Irvine said: "Police Scotland notes the recommendations and can confirm that these changes have been made.

"Ultimately the person responsible for this collision is the person who chose to steal a vehicle and drive recklessly without regard for the safety of others.

"Public safety is a very high priority for us and this incident highlights the challenges and risks which police officers face on a daily basis."