A 36-year-old man has been arrested after leading Greater Manchester Police on a prolonged pursuit through Salford this morning that reached speeds of up to 100mph and lasted around 45 minutes. The incident, which involved multiple police units and National Police Air Service helicopters, left two people injured and prompted significant local disruption.
How events unfolded
Officers from the force's Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit first attempted to stop the black Nissan Qashqai at about 10:30am. According to the force, the vehicle was being driven "dangerously and erratically" before the driver failed to stop and fled, travelling at high speed along borough roads.
Recorded footage released by Greater Manchester Police shows the car driving the wrong way along a carriageway, navigating the wrong way around a roundabout and mounting grass verges as officers tried to intercept. The pursuit covered several parts of Salford, including stretches of the East Lancashire Road, and the vehicle was even driven through the car park of a Tesco supermarket in an apparent attempt to evade capture.
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Stop and aftermath
The chase culminated when officers successfully deployed a stinger to deflate the suspect's tyres and bring the vehicle to a halt. During the incident one officer suffered a hand injury when the stinger was dragged and was taken to hospital for treatment. A member of the public was also taken to hospital with minor injuries after a collision with the suspect's car. Police confirmed minor damage to a police vehicle after the suspect reversed into an unmarked car.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and failing to stop. He remains in police custody for questioning.
Local impact and safety considerations
The pursuit required multiple response units and an air asset, underlining the scale of the policing operation. Residents and drivers in the area may have experienced delays or seen a significant emergency presence while officers tracked and contained the vehicle.
- Time of first stop attempt: around 10:30am
- Duration of pursuit: approximately 45 minutes
- Top reported speed: up to 100mph
- People taken to hospital: at least two (one officer, one member of the public)
- Arrest: 36-year-old man in custody
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Black Nissan Qashqai |
| Police units | Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, multiple patrols, NPAS helicopters |
| Intervention | Stinger deployment |
Greater Manchester Police has released footage and a statement outlining the pursuit. The force continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and the full extent of injuries. Anyone with further information or dashcam footage that could assist the investigation has been asked to contact GMP.
Given the risks posed by high-speed pursuits on public roads, officers say tactics such as use of air support and tyre-deflation devices are employed to bring incidents to a safe conclusion wherever possible. Residents are reminded to avoid the area while emergency services are in attendance and to follow any directions from officers at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing and further updates will be provided by the force when available.
