Car thieves arrested after suspect hides in bush

A suspected car thief was found hiding in a bush after a high speed pursuit led to the arrest of three men and one woman.

In a statement, Police said they followed a black Vauxhall Zafira in Gateshead just before 9pm on Wednesday, 21 October after occupants were acting in a suspicious manner.

Officers were led on a high speed pursuit after the vehicle failed to stop.

Police were forced to abandon the pursuit after “the vehicle was driven in such an erratic manner” that it was unsafe for other drivers.

The vehicle was found abandoned after colliding with a telegraph pole in the Sulgrave area of Washington.

The car was searched by patrol officers who found drugs and cash inside and ongoing enquires have led them to believe the vehicle was stolen.

In a statement, officers said: “A search of the area was conducted by police and within minutes the three men and one woman were placed under arrest.”

One of the suspects was found hiding in a nearby bush after being spotted by a police helicopter.

In a statement on Facebook Northumbria Police said: “It was a fantastic response by firearms officers and it is thanks to their doggedness that these suspects were brought into police custody.

"A huge well done to all those involved and we hope these kind of results reassure you about our determination to keep you safe.”

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