Suspected farm burglar drives getaway car onto York to Scarborough railway line

A suspected thief drove his car onto the York to Scarborough railway line near Malton after being disturbed at a local farm.
By Grace Newton
Published 21st Oct 2020, 17:41 BST
Updated 21st Oct 2020, 17:44 BST
The car was abandoned on the main York to Scarborough lineThe car was abandoned on the main York to Scarborough line
The car was abandoned on the main York to Scarborough line

A farmer called police just before 9pm on Tuesday evening to report a man behaving suspiciously near his property.

Officers were sent to lie in wait for the suspected burglar making his getaway, and they spotted a Vauxhall Vectra on the B1253 at around midnight. The driver did not stop for police and a pursuit began.

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The Vectra was driven at high speeds without its lights on on Beverley Road and through the village of Norton, and it collided with a police car, causing minor damage.

The driver has now been arrested on suspicion of numerous theft and driving offencesThe driver has now been arrested on suspicion of numerous theft and driving offences
The driver has now been arrested on suspicion of numerous theft and driving offences

The car was then driven onto the main York to Scarborough railway line at Malton, where the driver abandoned it and ran off.

A drone and the National Police Air Service helicopter were both sent to the scene and the man, a 36-year-old from Bradford, was arrested in a nearby field half an hour later on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, drug driving, criminal damage, burglary and theft from a motor vehicle. He was also found to be disqualified from driving and uninsured.

Tools and other items were found in the car.

North Yorkshire Police said officers had been in the area today speaking to farmers and residents who may have been targeted.

The man remains in custodywhile enquiries continue.