A DANGEROUS driver has been arrested after he led police officers on a two-hour pursuit across rural North Yorkshire that almost ended in several collisions.

At about 9am today, North Yorkshire Police received a report that a car had been stolen from Skipton in Craven.

After scrambling officers from the force’s Specialist Operations team, the police were deployed to the area, and enquiries led them to Catterick and then Leyburn.

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The stolen car was sighted driving dangerously and was involved in a number of near-misses with other members of the public.

After trying to pursue the driver for near to two hours, officers deployed a stinger, and were able to bring the car safely to a halt in Swinithwaite, just outside Leyburn, at around 11.30am.

The driver, a man in his 20s, ran off on foot, but police chased after him, and he was detained a short time later.

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He was arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, drug driving and possession of drugs. He currently remains in custody while enquiries continue.

Inspector Mark Gee, from North Yorkshire Police, said: “I am very grateful that no members of the public were hurt, and for the co-operation and understanding of the local community while we brought this incident to a safe conclusion.”

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