Runaway van driver hit 80mph in Nottinghamshire police chase before crashing into taxi

A runaway van driver hit speeds of more than 80mph in a residential area of a Nottinghamshire town before crashing into a taxi. Police tried to stop the vehicle in Owday Lane, Worksop as they suspected it was being driven by a disqualified driver on Wednesday (October 30) night.

However, the motorist sped up down Liquorice Lane and was chased by officers, Nottinghamshire Police said. The van was driven dangerously as it headed towards a built-up area of Worksop, hitting speeds of more than 80mph.

West Bassetlaw Police said the vehicle carried on through a red light junction and went on the wrong side of the road before colliding with a taxi in Watson Road. "Our officers worked together to position their cars so the van couldn’t get away," the police team said.

"However, this didn’t stop the driver deliberately trying to ram his way out, causing damage to the police vehicles. Seconds later officers managed to remove the ignition key and safely had the driver in handcuffs."

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, failing to stop, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.