A criminal investigation has been launched into the conduct of two police officers involved in a police car chase in which a teenage scooter driver crashed and died.

Lewis Johnson, 18, a "brilliant footballer" who trained with Crystal Palace, died after his white Vespa scooter collided with a van in Clapton Common in Hackney, east London, earlier this month.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launched an investigation and has announced two officers at the centre of the chase are under criminal investigation.

A Pc who was driving the police car pursuing Mr Johnson has been served with a gross misconduct notice and advised he is under criminal investigation, the IPCC said.

And a sergeant who was driving a second police car which was at times involved with the chase has been advised he will be served with a gross misconduct notice and that he is under criminal investigation.

Both officers are based in Hackney.

The IPCC stressed that the launch of a criminal investigation does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow.

IPCC commissioner Jennifer Izekor said: "We have gathered sufficient evidence in this investigation to determine that criminal offences may have been committed by the police officers involved in this pursuit in relation to the standard of their driving.

"Both officers will now be interviewed under criminal caution as our investigation continues.

"I have met with Lewis' parents to express my condolences for the tragic loss of their son and to inform them of this development."

A 19-year-old passenger who was riding on the back of the scooter and was injured in the collision has been discharged from hospital.