JUST pull over - that is the message of the police following a pursuit in the early hours of the morning.

Officers from Stanley Police saw a black Ford Focus being driven at excessive speeds along Durham Road, in Stanley on Sunday.

The uniformed response officers attempted to stop it but it failed to stop.

It was pursued from the Craghead area to Grange Villa where it weaved its way in and around the back streets before it was then dumped at the rear of Stone Row.

Officers including the police helicopter and dog section conducted an area search and a male was arrested nearby on suspicion of dangerous driving, fail to stop and driving without insurance.

He was taken into police custody where he was expected to be interviewed.

PC Liam Norris from A Relief, in Chester-le-Street, said the message was simple and encouraged people to pull over or risk going to prison.

He said: “Cases of dangerous driving where persons have been pursued by Police will inevitably end up at Crown Court where sentencing powers are greatly increased.

"The Crown Courts have shown time and time again that they will jail persons who are pursued by the police.

"The message is simple - just pull over.”