Driver ploughed wrong way down after A24 police chase

Police said the car chase on the A24 was abandoned due to the "extremely dangerous manoeuvre".

The driver then fled on foot, with a helicopter scrambled to try and track them down.

But they could not be found by police.

Police stock image

Officers had been responding to a separate incident when they spotted a Honda Accord racing along Pulborough Road in Storrington.

They chased the car to the A24 Washington Roundabout, where the driver performed a U-turn and accelerated the wrong way, northbound, along the southbound carriageway of Pulborough Road.

"Due to this extremely dangerous manoeuvre, the pursuit was terminated," a Sussex Police spokesman said.

The car was later found abandoned on the A24 near Ashington.

A large search operation involving the police helicopter and several dog units was launched to try and find the driver.

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A Sussex Police spokesman said: "At about 9.30pm yesterday, police were responding to an unrelated incident when they became aware of a Honda Accord travelling at speed eastbound on Pulborough Road, Storrington.

"The vehicle was pursued to the A24 Washington Roundabout, at which point it continued northbound on the southbound carriageway. Due to this extremely dangerous manoeuvre, the pursuit was terminated.

"The vehicle was found abandoned on the A24 a short time later, and despite an extensive search of the area including the dog unit and the National Police Air Service helicopter, there was no trace of any suspects.

"The vehicle was recovered and enquiries are ongoing."