Three arrests as car crashes into trailer after high-speed police chase in Sunderland

Officers spotted a Ford Mondeo travelling in the Gartland Road area of the city shortly before 9.30pm on Monday, May 11. It appeared to have no insurance.

They instructed the person behind the wheel to stop – but instead, the driver hit the accelerator before losing control of the car and smashing into the trailer of a HGV.

While trying to make a bid for freedom, the motorist crashed into the trailer as they attempted to negotiate a roundabout at the junction of Grindon Lane and Chester Road.

Police officers then gave chase to the occupants of the car on foot, as they attempted to flee the scene.

Three men – all aged 26 – were arrested.

They remain in police custody on Tuesday, May 12 and are assisting officers with inquiries.

Chief Inspector Sam Rennison, of Northumbria Police’s Operations Department, praised officers for bringing the incident to a safe end through ‘good, old-fashioned’ police work.

She said in a statement: “This was a case of good old-fashioned policing and excellent teamwork as our motor patrol and firearms support officers worked together to bring a potentially dangerous incident to a peaceful resolution.

“After spotting a vehicle which showed having no insurance, officers acted on their instincts and instructed the driver to pull over.

“When the occupants seemingly showed no interest in adhering to that instruction, the cops displayed outstanding skill and calmness under pressure to pursue the offending vehicle.

“A short time later, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop after it collided with a trailer of a HGV on a roundabout and the occupants made off, but our fleet-footed cops were more than up to the challenge and detained three men nearby following a foot chase.

“I would like to thank my staff for their fantastic dedication and quick thinking as they were able to bring three suspects into custody and bring a potentially dangerous incident to a swift and safe conclusion.”

Inquiries are ongoing into the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police via the Tell Us Something page of the force website quoting log 995 110520.

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