Two arrests following Tyne Tunnel police chase

Two suspects who led officers on a Tyne Tunnel police chase were quickly detained as part of a major road safety week of action taking place across Europe.

One Road, One Week kicked started on Monday and sees traffic cops across the UK and Europe taking part in a week-long operation to crack down on dangerous driving in all its forms, from speeding and mobile phone use to uninsured drivers, intoxicated driving and seatbelt offences.

And they were on hand on Tuesday when the driver of an uninsured black Ford Fiesta failed to stop when signalled at the Tyne Tunnel check point at 2.40pm.

The driver instead put his foot on the accelerator, sparking a pursuit.

The motorist even tually dumped the car near Wallsend Metro station and was spotted, along with his passenger, jumping a fence and fleeing along the Metro tracks.

Sergeant Ian Hankin, who is leading the campaign for Northumbria Police, said: “

Despite their gymnastic efforts, it wasn’t long before our officers caught up the fleeing duo.

"But they weren’t lonely in custody for in the first two days of the operation we arrested a further four people.”

A 19-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving with no insurance and under the influence of drink and drugs and on suspicion of a drug supply offence.

He has been released under investigation.

Meanwhile his 17-yearold female passenger was arrested on suspicion of a drug supply offence. She has since been bailed.