Three forces, helicopters and dogs: The huge police chase that played out on the M6 and M62
The thieves crashed into a police vehicle before making off across the M62 on foot
05:46, 10 Mar 2026Updated 06:26, 10 Mar 2026
View 2 ImagesDean Higgins and Connor Barnett were chased for miles on the M62 before being apprehended in West Yorkshire. (Image: Greater Manchester Police )
Police have released footage of the dramatic chase that saw three separate police forces working together with dogs and helicopters to catch the audacious thieves that made off with GBP40,000 of stolen tyres.
Dean Higgins, 35, and Connor Barnett, 21, were jailed at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday (March 6)[1] for the theft, which took place in the Woolston area of Warrington last year on December 12.
Higgins, who was at the wheel at the time, was also sentenced after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified.
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At around 2.45am, an HGV driver was asleep in his vehicle when he was woken by loud banging coming from the rear trailer, GMP said.
On inspection, he saw that tyres from his trailer were being unloaded and placed onto another - with around 500 in total reportedly being taken. Police were contacted and the HGV filled with stolen tyres fled the scene.
Officers soon located the vehicle, travelling under false plates, as it entered GMP's jurisdiction via the M6 and M62[5], with Cheshire and GMP officers beginning a covert pursuit, which reached the West Yorkshire area.
Shortly after reaching West Yorkshire, the lorry failed to stop and a pursuit began on the motorway, also followed by a police helicopter.
Dramatic footage released by the force shows the lorry weaving in and out of traffic, cutting up other vehicles and narrowly missing a side-swipe on a police vehicle.
It later collided with a GMP traffic vehicle, causing it to spin out and crash into the central reservation, though the occupants only suffered minor injuries.
View 2 ImagesHiggin's HGV caused a police vehicle to crash into the central reservation of the M62 (Image: Greater Manchester Police )
Once the lorry had been successfully stung and lost a wheel, more footage showed it colliding with the central reservation, sparks flying as it dragged along for several hundred metres before coming to rest.
But the occupants Higgins and Barnett had alighted the lorry before it had even come to a stop, and could be seen on an aerial camera sprinting across the opposite carriageway before scrambling up the opposite bank.
But they were quickly apprehended by West Yorkshire Police officers and GMP dog units, with aid from the Police Air service.
PC Philip Raymond, from GMP's Roads Policing Unit, said: "This was a highly challenging and dangerous pursuit which involved colleagues from three different police forces.
"The pair stole thousands of pounds worth of tyres and showed recklessness as they fled, including spinning out a GMP officer - we are fortunate there were not more serious consequences for their actions.
"The work of Cheshire, GMP, and West Yorkshire has meant that the pair are now rightly behind bars for their crimes, and is testament to the commitment and dedication of all police forces."
Detective Inspector David Schofield, from Cheshire Police, said: "This is another fine example of forces working together to catch criminals and put them before the courts.
They certainly got more than they bargained for when they came to Cheshire to steal and thought they could simply get away with it.
Article continues below"I hope this sends a message loud and clear that we are tireless in our efforts to stop cross-county criminals in their tracks and get justice for victims."
Dean Higgins, 35, of Winrose Avenue, Leeds, was jailed for 27 months after pleading guilty to theft, driving whilst disqualified, and dangerous driving.
Connor Barnett, 21, of Quarry Way, Leeds, was jailed for 14 months after pleading guilty to theft.