M61 ‘wrong way’ driver arrested after police chase

The vehicle, a black Volkswagen Passat, was pursued by police along the M6 and M61 and reportedly drove at high speed along the hard shoulder to evade police earlier today (January 6). Officers abandoned the chase when the driver increased the risk by allegedly travelling along the M61 in the wrong direction on two occasions. However, they picked up the chase again after seeing the vehicle leaving Preston, and it was stung near the Tickled Trout roundabout before being abandoned.

Police say four people ran from the car, though all were caught and detained, with the driver being caught by a police dog. A police spokesperson said: “This vehicle failed to stop and was pursued by police on the M6 and M61. “It drove at high speed, using the hard shoulder to get away past vehicles.

Deciding to increase the risk, it went the wrong way on the M61 twice. “The vehicle was stung and abandoned near the Tickled Trout. “Four ran, four were detained on suspicion of theft – with the driver being grabbed by a HZ pooch.

“The driver was also arrested for dangerous driving and was also wanted for other offences.”