Driver runs from Hastings crash after high-speed police chase

A driver ran from the scene of a crash in Hastings after a high speed police chase in the early hours of this morning (Friday, August 19).
By The Newsroom
Published 19th Aug 2016, 16:34 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 23:33 BST

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The silver Vauxhall Astra van driver was chased from The Ridge, down the A21, past Alexandra Park and onto Mount Pleasant Road where he lost control and hit a wall at around 2am.

The suspect got out and ran off, losing police down an alleyway but dropped his blue tracksuit top.

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Officers became aware of the van travelling at speed and without any lights on in The Ridge at about 2am.

Police pursued the vehicle and indicated for it to stop, however the driver ignored them and instead turned right onto the A21 Sedlescombe Road North.

The driver then went through a red light at the junction of John Macadam Way, and ignored multiple ‘keep left’ signs as it passed on the off-side of two mini-roundabouts at speeds in excess of 70mph.

The vehicle then turned left into St Helens Road, again accelerating beyond 70mph, and then went left into Elphinstone Road.

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After taking a right into Mount Pleasant Road, the driver lost control and collided with the wall of a house.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service crews from The Ridge station were called to make the scene safe at around 2.15am.

The suspect decamped and made off northbound on Mount Pleasant Road, into Hughenden Place and down an alleyway towards Beaconsfield Road, where he was lost.

He discarded a blue tracksuit top at the top of the alleyway, which has been seized for forensic examination.

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The van, which was damaged, had ‘Saunders Gardening’ written on it, and a pair of bolt croppers were found in the back.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to email [email protected] or call 101, quoting serial 82 of 19/08.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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