ENQUIRIES are continuing after a council contractor’s van was seen leading police on a city centre chase.

The Mears van was pursued by officers in cars and a police helicopter as it sped through Richmond Terrace in Brighton after failing to stop on January 29.

The driver then ditched the van and made off on foot, and police say an investigation into his whereabouts is ongoing 20 days later.

A witness described seeing the van being chased along Freshfield Road in the Hanover area of the city.

He said: “It forced all traffic to stop and made a sharp turn down Evelyn Terrace - police followed.”

Mears responded to the claims.

A spokesman said: “This case is currently under investigation and we have offered our full co-operation to Sussex Police.”

He continued “Mears takes all traffic or any safety issues extremely seriously and we hold our employees to a very high standard.

“Whilst the police are investigating it would be inappropriate to comment on the individual.”

The company said it had nothing to add to its original statement.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Enquiries are continuing. Anyone who noticed anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident is asked to report online or call 101 quoting reference 247 of 29/01.”