A high-speed police pursuit on the A1 near Denton Burn, Newcastle, ended in chaos with a multi-vehicle collision that left seven officers injured. The incident involved five police vehicles and caused significant traffic delays across Tyneside.
Seven police officers have been injured in a crash during a pursuit on the A1 near Denton Burn, Newcastle. ‘The incident occurred just before 02:30 BST’ and involved five police vehicles, including four marked cars that were badly damaged.
Pursuit and Crash Details
The pursuit began when officers attempted to stop a BMW in the Whickham area of Gateshead due to concerns about the manner it was being driven.’ However, ‘the vehicle was later spotted in the Swalwell area, leading authorities to authorise a pursuit.’ The officers were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and four have been discharged while two remain for observation.
A high-speed pursuit is a police operation where officers engage in a chase with a suspect who is driving at excessive speeds.
These pursuits can be hazardous, particularly if the suspect's vehicle collides with other vehicles or pedestrians.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), high-speed chases result in an average of 400 deaths per year in the United States.
To mitigate risks, many police departments have implemented protocols for high-speed pursuits, including requiring officers to follow specific procedures and to terminate the pursuit when it becomes too hazardous.
Arrests and Investigations
A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and a woman aged in her 20s has been arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving. ‘Investigators are working to determine the sequence of events leading up to the crash.’
Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions
The road between Swalwell and Denton was closed for several hours, causing significant traffic delays across Tyneside.’ Motorists were forced to find alternative routes over the River Tyne, leading to 30-40 minute queues on the Redheugh Bridge and about 40-minute delays through the Tyne Tunnel.
Response from Emergency Services
The ambulance service sent five crews, a specialist paramedic, and two crews from its Hazardous Area Response Team. The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also responded with five appliances, while the Great North Air Ambulance Service was dispatched to assist.
