Two men have been arrested after a police chase which hit 140mph and ended with a car crashing into a hedge.
The drama started at about 11.40pm last night (Sunday) when officers received information about a suspect wearing a balaclava and cutting high-voltage cables from equipment at Scotch Corner services.
They soon caught up with a car suspected to be involved, a black Mini Cooper, heading north on the A1(M).
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A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “As the suspect car accelerated to speeds of more than 140mph, the police helicopter and Durham Constabulary units joined the pursuit.
“The car then moved to minor roads in the County Durham area, where at about 12.15am it clipped a police vehicle and spun into a hedgerow. There were no injuries.”
Two men were in the car, both wearing balaclavas. They were arrested on suspicion of offences including theft, going equipped for theft, dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without a licence or insurance.
A large amount of electric cables were found in the car, which was seized for forensic examination.
The suspects, aged 44 and 30, remain in custody while the investigation continues.