A DANGEROUS driver rammed two police vehicles and caused damage to another during an early morning high-speed pursuit.

Shortly after 3.30pm on Wednesday, a black Saab – which police believe to have been stolen – was seen travelling at 100 mph in a 50mph zone and almost collided with a cyclist while reaching 70mph through a residential area.

The vehicle failed to stop when instructed to by officers who on patrol in the West Farm Avenue area of Longbenton, near Newcastle.

Following a short pursuit, the driver slowed down and allowed police to pull alongside him – before slamming down the accelerator and deliberately ramming the cop car.

Again making off from the scene, the Saab was spotted a short time later on Durham Road, in Cramlington, Northumberland.

The Northern Echo:

With three police cars following behind, the driver slammed into one, causing it to spin, before officers carried out a tactical contact manoeuvre to bring the offending vehicle to a stop.

A 32-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and remains in police custody.

No officers were injured but three police vehicles were damaged as a result of the pursuit.

Chief Inspector Sam Rennison, of Northumbria Police’s Operations Department, condemned the driver’s actions and said it was “sheer luck” that nobody was seriously hurt.

The Northern Echo:

She said: “This was an appalling incident which placed a significant demand on police resources and led to three of our vehicles being damaged.

“The driver in question showed a total disregard for both the law and the livelihoods of others, providing a serious risk of harm to other road users and police. It’s sheer luck that nobody was seriously injured.

“Our officers come to work each day knowing they could be faced with dangerous situations and clearly putting public safety before their own is paramount – but when they are faced with such needless behaviour, it is important that those offenders are dealt with robustly.

“I would like to thank everyone concerned for their outstanding skill shown in order to bring this vehicle to a safe stop, without any injury caused to themselves or the wider public.”

Police will also be pursuing compensation to cover the costs of the damage caused from the driver.

Anyone who has dashcam footage of somebody driving in a dangerous or reckless manner is encouraged to upload the clip at the ‘Report an Incident’ page of our website.