This is why the police helicopter was out over Sunderland at the weekend

A car was stolen from outside an address on Fulwell Road, Sunderland, shortly before 7.30pm on Saturday, July 4.

Following a search the car was located travelling in the Durham Road area of the city.

The National Police Air Service were called to support officers in pursuit of the car and could be heard in the Barnes, Humbledon Hill and Plains Farm area of the city at around 8pm.

After a short pursuit, the stolen vehicle was then abandoned off Premier Road and the occupants made off on foot.

Officers have launched an investigation to trace those involved with the incident and anyone with any details is urged to come forward and speak to police.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “Shortly before 7.30pm on Saturday (July 4), we received a report of a theft of a motor vehicle from outside an address on Fulwell Road, Sunderland.

“Officers carried out a search of the area and located the vehicle which was travelling in the Durham Road area of the city. Following a short pursuit, the car was left abandoned off Premier Road and the occupants made off on foot.

“The vehicle has been seized and enquiries are ongoing to trace those involved. Anyone with information can contact us via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting reference 945 040720.”

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