A high speed car chase across the county left a string of vehicles damaged including four police cars yesterday.

In a scene reminiscent of an action movie, Sussex Police pursued a suspected stolen van for 15 miles across the city and into the countryside.

The chase only ended when officers used special stop sticks to puncture the vehicle's wheels, bringing it to a screeching halt.

  • Watch the video of the chase

Officers were alerted to a grey Transit van being driven erratically in North Street in Brighton at about 3.45pm and a few minutes later it was spotted by police, but then drove off.

A 15-mile pursuit ensued and the van, allegedly driven by a 35-year-old man from West Drayton, leaving a trail of destruction as it crashed into a number of vehicles including three police cars.

After driving northbound through the city, the driver of the van forced his way onto the A27 and the chase continued eastbound.

One eyewitness, who was on the dual carriageway at the time, said the van was being tailed by about 20 police cars and that the driver and a passenger were wearing gloves.

It was finally brought to a stop at the Drusillas roundabout near Selmeston about 4.15pm.

Chief Inspector Jayne Dando said: "Thankfully, nobody was injured in this incident, but it has caused a fair amount of disruption along the route and it was necessary to close the A27 at Selmeston for a while in order to remove the damaged vehicles.

“I appreciate that this was an inconvenience on a nice, sunny Sunday afternoon and I should like to thank everyone for their patience while this was carried out.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 987 of 02/06."

A 35-year-old man from West Drayton was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drink or drugs, failing to stop and theft.

A 25-year-old man from Slough was arrested on suspicion of being carried in a stolen vehicle.