A POLICE car chase ended dramatically when suspects tried to flee by jumping into the River Wear in Durham today. 

The police pursuit began when officers were alerted to a suspected stolen vehicle on the A690 near West Rainton, a few miles outside Durham. 

The vehicle was pursued toward Durham and onto Claypath leading down to the Sands area of Durham.

Read more: Diana Ross in Durham: Motown legend plays Chester-le-Street's Riverside stadium

Three occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled - with two jumping into the river in their bid to get away.

Firefighters were called in to help and a number of appliances were dispatched to the riverside. Police confirmed three men had been arrested and are now custody.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "At 8.40am today, police were alerted to a suspected stolen vehicle on the A690 near West Rainton.

"The vehicle was pursued onto Claypath, in Durham City, where the three occupants fled the vehicle – two of which entered the River Wear.

"Three men have since been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody."

--

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054