Chased car hits 60mph on roundabout

POLICE were involved in a high-speed car chase through Bexhill this week including a 60mph pursuit through Glyne Gap roundabout.

Lunch-time motorists looked on in amazement as a green Ford was pursued for 10 miles from Ninfield.

Police followed the car through Sidley to Glyne Gap and Bulverhythe, St. Leonards. The car stopped and the driver was challenged.

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In his efforts to evade police, the Ford driver then backtracked, careering through the Glyne Gap roundabout at 60mph. He then:

*Jumped the De La Warr Road traffic lights at red

*Shot down the wrong side of dual-carriageway King Offa Way

*Executed a three-point turn amid the traffic.

Bexhill Sector Sergeant Dave Costigan explained: PC Dan Ralph was on patrol in Bexhill when he heard a call put out about a green Ford believed to have been involved in a bag snatch at Magham Down.

He kept observation at Ninfield for the car. He followed it discreetly. When he tried to close with it to stop it near Filsham Road, St Leonards, the guy stopped and leaned his head out of the window.

Dan Ralph said Turn your engine off and the guy yelled .... off! and floored the accelerator

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PC Ralph pursued the Ford, which went through Glyne Gap and Bexhill Road, St Leonards, to Bulverhythe where it turned and shot back through Glyne Gap at 60mph.

Sergeant Costigan said: It went through the De La Warr Road / Dorset Road traffic lights at red and entered the dual-carriageway at King Offa Way in the opposing lane.

Because of the danger to other road users, PC Ralph did not follow it down the opposing lane. So the Ford did a three-point turn in the traffic and shot off back towards St Leonards.

The driver abandoned the Ford near the Stamco timber yard at Bulverhythe and ran off - pursued on foot by PC Ralph who had been joined by Divisional Patrol Unit member PC Rob Knight.

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The drama ended when the suspect ran into the back of a van which braked suddenly and he was arrested in Bulverhythe Road.

Sergeant Costigan said: This was extremely dangerous driving - 60mph through Glyne Gap roundabout in the middle of the day and the wrong way down a dual-carriageway.

A 27-year-old Hailsham man is helping police with inquiries.