Suspect arrested after car leaves trail of destruction in South Shields

The vehicle was said to have collided with bollards and several other vehicles in South Shields before it was later spotted and a man was detained.

The head of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department has now thanked a vigilant resident who helped officers snare their suspect.

Specialist traffic officers had been deployed to the town at about 7.20pm on Tuesday, August 11, after reports that a Citroen C4 had been driving in a dangerous manner.

Witnesses had described how the vehicle had collided with bollards and several cars in the town centre – leaving the car’s bonnet abandoned in the middle of the road.

Officers were out searching for the vehicle when a member of the public informed police that the Citroen had been parked nearby.

It was soon located on Redberry Way and seized by police before inquiries led to the arrest of a 23-year-old man suspected to have been behind the wheel.

Chief Inspector Sam Rennison praised the teamwork between officers and members of the public.

She said on Wednesday: “Witnesses have described to us a vehicle driving in an erratic manner and putting the lives of other road users at risk.

“It has been reported that this vehicle has been involved in multiple collisions, driven at high speed and left it’s bonnet lying in the middle of the road.

“We responded quickly to reports and have flooded the area with officers in a bid to locate and arrest a suspect.

“Ultimately we have achieved that but it may not have been possible if it was not for the eagle-eyed member of the public who pointed us in the right direction.

“Our investigation into this incident will continue but I hope our quick response reassures residents in South Shields.”

The 23-year-old man arrested has since been released under investigation pending further inquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information that may assist police, is asked to contact 101, quoting log 1105 11/08/20.

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