West Midlands Police said the boy was killed "moments" after the vehicle failed to stop for officers.

The incident happened in Halesowen, between Dudley and Birmingham, in the early hours of Friday morning.

Two 16-year-olds who were also in the car have been arrested on suspicion of theft.

Both have been taken to hospital with injures which are not thought to be serious.

Police said the crash has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

"The 17-year-old boy was in a car which failed to stop for police moments before hitting a tree, near the junction of Coombs Road and Amber Way, at just after 3.15am," a police statement said.

"Sadly nothing could be done to save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as is normal procedure."

The road has been closed to allow emergency services and collision reconstruction experts to establish the circumstances of the crash, police said.