A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of multiple offenses, including theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous driving, after leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen Amazon delivery van. The incident occurred on Wednesday, prompting a pursuit that spanned from Wigan in Greater Manchester to Chorley in Lancashire.
Greater Manchester Police received a report of the stolen van at approximately 6:23 p.m. Officers located the vehicle within 15 minutes and attempted to stop it. However, the driver fled, initiating a pursuit that lasted about 40 minutes. During the chase, the van reportedly exceeded the speed limit three times, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph.
The pursuit resulted in a cyclist sustaining minor injuries and caused damage to street furniture. The van eventually crashed into pedestrian barriers and a stationary car after mounting a pedestrian crossing. No serious injuries were reported from the final collision.
The 25-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, failure to stop, driving under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of Class A and C drugs. He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Police described the incident as extremely dangerous, emphasizing the driver's disregard for public safety. Officers involved in the pursuit stated that their decision-making was focused on protecting the public and bringing the situation to a safe conclusion. The van was carrying approximately £1,000 worth of parcels at the time of the theft.