High-speed chase through Bury and Rochdale

Photo: @onlyinheywood

The rammed police car, Bury Old Road, Heywood

A man has been arrested following a high-speed chase with police through Bury and Rochdale.

At around 10am on Thursday 12 March 2015, a man stole a van parked up in Haslingden, with the owner still in the back.

The thief stopped briefly in Ramsbottom to remonstrate with the owner, but set off again with him still on board. 

The driver sped off towards Bury down Walmersley Road, with the speed of the vehicle throwing the owner out of the back of the van and into the road.

Officers then spotted the van in Bury and followed it on to the M66 southbound before exiting at the Pilsworth junction and starting a pursuit.

The offender stopped and reversed backwards, ramming a Police BMW X5 and causing it to overturn.

The two officers inside escaped with minor injuries.

The van continued and caused several collisions with cars belonging to members of the public.

The van then reversed into a second police traffic car causing minor damage. At this point the pursuit was terminated and the police helicopter tracked the van's direction and relayed this information to officers.

As the van reached Tweedale Street in Rochdale, the offender tried to flee but was caught on nearby Kay Street.

The 25-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, drink driving and assault.