Watch: Dramatic 140mph police chase after suspected Scotch Corner cable theft ends in crash
Two men have been arrested after a dramatic police pursuit involving speeds of more than 140mph ended with a car crashing into a hedgerow.
Officers from North Yorkshire Police were called to reports of a suspect wearing a balaclava cutting high-voltage cables from equipment at Scotch Corner services at around 11.40pm on Sunday (Oct 18).
Police immediately made their way towards the location and, within minutes, spotted a black Mini Cooper travelling northbound on the A1(M).
The vehicle failed to stop and accelerated to speeds exceeding 140mph, prompting a high-speed pursuit involving North Yorkshire Police, Durham Constabulary and the police helicopter.
The Mini eventually left the motorway and travelled along minor roads in County Durham.
At around 12.15am on Monday (Oct 19), the vehicle clipped a police car before spinning into a hedgerow.
No injuries were reported.
Officers discovered two men inside the Mini, both wearing balaclavas.
The men, aged 44 and 30, 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 quantity of electrical cables, suspected to have been stolen, was recovered from the vehicle.
The Mini was also seized for forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Both suspects were taken into North Yorkshire Police custody, where they remained at the time of the police statement.
Investigations into the suspected cable theft and subsequent pursuit are continuing.