Police chase suspected dangerous driver after using stinger to end high-speed pursuit in Sunderland

A motor patrols officer in an unmarked car spotted the vehicle driving erratically in Houghton-le-Spring at 4.30am yesterday (Wednesday, July 6).

The Force carried out checks on the silver Audi and found it was registered to an address in Somerset.

As police grew suspicious, they instructed the driver to pull over, but he hit the accelerator and made off at speed through residential areas in a bid to evade arrest.

Officers tracked the suspect's movements before deploying a stinger device that deflated one of the Audi's front tyres and brought the occupant to an abrupt stop.

The suspect then ran down an embankment on foot as officers chased him.

The man, 42 was arrested and has since been charged with dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, no insurance, failing to stop and failing to provide a specimen.

Chief Inspector Ian Cutty, of Northumbria Police said: "This was a fast-moving incident and the driver's behaviour behind the wheel potentially endangered the lives of other road users.

"That's why it was imperative that we brought the Audi to a swift and safe stop as soon as possible - and that's exactly what the officers involved were able to do. They showed great skill and kept calm under pressure to pursue the offending vehicle and deploy a stinger that stopped it in its tracks.

"This outcome was made possible because an officer spotted something that didn't look right and followed their instincts.”

He will appear before magistrates in South Tyneside in September.

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to all of our news and sport, see fewer ads, experience faster load times, test your brain with daily puzzles and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

The Sunderland Echo has been on Wearside since 1873, and your support means we can continue telling your stories for generations to come. Click here to subscribe.