Three children are among five people killed after a stolen car crashed into a tree in Leeds, leaving a scene of "complete carnage".

A 12-year-old, two 15-year-olds, a 24-year-old and a 28-year-old died after the collision on Stonegate Road in the Meanwood area on Saturday night, West Yorkshire Police said.

Two of them were pronounced dead at the scene and three died a short time later at hospital.

Two 15-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remain in custody, West Yorkshire Police said.

The vehicle had been removed from the suburban road by mid-morning on Sunday but a large gash could still be seen on the tree.

Leeds car crash in pictures Show all 7 1 /7 Leeds car crash in pictures Leeds car crash in pictures PA Leeds car crash in pictures Police at the scene where a stolen car crashed into a tree in Stonegate Road, Leeds Danny Lawson/PA Wire Leeds car crash in pictures Police near the scene where a stolen car crashed into a tree in Stonegate Road, Leeds Danny Lawson/PA Wire Leeds car crash in pictures Investigators work behind police tape at the scene where a stolen car crashed into a tree REUTERS/Phil Noble Leeds car crash in pictures A police officer works next to a tree damaged when a stolen car crashed into it REUTERS/Phil Noble Leeds car crash in pictures A police officer stands next to debris behind crime scene tape at the scene where a stolen car crashed into a tree REUTERS/Phil Noble Leeds car crash in pictures Police at the scene where a stolen car crashed into a tree in Stonegate Road, Leeds Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Police had cordoned off a quarter mile section of the tree-lined street, which is about three miles north of the city centre and lined by semi-detached houses and grass verges.

A police spokesman said officers were confronted by a scene of "complete carnage" when they arrived at the crash site.

He told the Press Association just one vehicle had been involved but it was not yet clear whether the five victims and two suspects had all been in the car.

"Whether they were all in the car or whether some of [the victims] were pedestrians we can't say at this point in time.

"We've got the road closed, an investigation in place and we're trying to find out what's occurred."

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Griffiths, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is clearly a tragic incident in which five young people have lost their lives. We are currently investigating the exact circumstances of what happened.