Durham's Roads and Armed Policing Unit as well as the Police Helicopter began a pursuit

Durham police officer injured in pursuit of Ford Focus 'speeding on wrong side of road without headlights on'

by · ChronicleLive

A police officer was left needing hospital treatment following a pursuit of a car reported speeding on the wrong side of the road without headlights on.

On Thursday evening, Durham Constabulary was alerted to a Ford Focus driving dangerously through Shildon, County Durham.

The vehicle was believed to have been involved in a burglary earlier in the day and officers from Durham's Roads and Armed Policing Unit as well as the Police Helicopter began a pursuit.

Durham Constabulary said officers made tactical contact and stopped the car, which was driving with no lights on and at speeds of up to 80mph on the wrong side of the road at points through Chilton and Ferryhill, putting other road users at serious risk.

An officer was injured during the pursuit and taken to hospital for treatment. Four suspects fled the scene on foot.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, failing to stop and having no insurance. While a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

An investigation is ongoing to trace all suspects.

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