Wanted man tries to drive down wrong side of motorway in rush hour pursuit

A wanted man attempted to drive down the wrong side of the M56 in Cheshire during a rush hour police pursuit. The driver, allegedly under the influence on cocaine and cannabis, failed to stop for police on the A49 near Stretton, Warrington[1] around 3.30pm yesterday (November 8). A chase ensued, as the black BMW convertible sped towards the M56.

The driver attempted to make a u-turn and drive the wrong way down the motorway, but was prevented from doing so by police officers, police said. He then headed north on the M6 towards the Thelwall Viaduct. Video shared on TikTok shows a number of police cars collide with the convertible, bringing it to a stop just before it gets to the bridge.

READ: Two men jailed after 'vicious' daylight attack on teenager in Ellesmere Port[2] | The victim required emergency surgery and is likely to suffer reduced range of motion to his limbs after tendons were severed in the attack READ: Man could face prison if he enters Chester city centre again | Local police officers said Christopher Walsh, 35, had "been a persistent problem in the city for a long time"[3] A number of officers and a police dog then surround the car, stopped in the middle of the carriageway.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for officers, using a cloned number plate, drug driving (cannabis and cocaine), and drink driving. The 34-year-old man from Manchester was also wanted by a neighbouring force for perverting the course of justice. He remains in custody.

Inspector Anton Sullivan, of the Cheshire police Roads and Crime Unit, said: "While we I appreciate the disruption caused by this incident yesterday, the actions taken by officers were commendable. "The individual involved was driving erratically and initially attempted to drive in the wrong direction on one of the busiest motorways in Cheshire during rush hour traffic. The danger posed to other innocent motorists was unthinkable and had to be stopped before he got onto Thelwall Viaduct, but thanks to the great work of the team we were able to bring the incident to a safe conclusion."

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References

1. ^ Warrington (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
2. ^ Two men jailed after 'vicious' daylight attack on teenager in Ellesmere Port (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
3. ^ Man could face prison if he enters Chester city centre again (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
4. ^ Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)