Driver arrested after 30 mile cross-border pursuit

The man failed to stop for officers near Lockerbie

Published 2nd Nov 2017

A driver has been arrested after a cross-border police pursuit from Dumfries and Galloway to Cumbria.

The motorist was eventually caught after crashing into a bank in Market Square, Penrith, having failed to stop when signalled by officers just south of junction 17 of the A74(M) at Lockerbie on Thursday morning.

Police Scotland said the red Audi was told to pull over at around 9.40am but continued to drive south onto the M6 in before leaving the motorway at Penrith.

The car was brought to a halt when it crashed into the HSBC bank in the town centre.

No pedestrians were hurt and the driver received a slight injury which did not require medical attention, officers said.

The man was arrested and taken back to Dumfries and Galloway.

Superintendent Mark Pannone from Cumbria Constabulary said: “This was a fast-moving incident which involved Cumbria Constabulary officers working with colleagues from Police Scotland and the incident was brought swiftly to a conclusion.

“I would like to thank the public for their patience whilst we have dealt with this incident in Penrith town centre.”

Inspector Campbell Moffat from Police Scotland said: “Police vehicles from Police Scotland were involved in this pursuit which concluded in the centre of the town in Penrith.

“Investigations into the circumstances surrounding this incident are currently ongoing."