wo men were arrested following a high-speed pursuit through Brighton on Sunday, January 5, after police intercepted a suspected stolen vehicle. The dramatic chase highlighted the dangers of reckless driving and the coordinated efforts of law enforcement to ensure public safety.
Dangerous Pursuit Through City Streets
The incident began around 6:20 p.m. when officers were alerted to a possible stolen silver Volkswagen Golf in the city. The vehicle’s driver failed to comply with police instructions to stop, instead speeding through the Queens Park and Hanover area. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with the car reportedly traveling at over 60 mph in 20 mph zones, running red lights, driving against the flow on one-way streets, and even crossing into oncoming traffic lanes.
The pursuit came to a head on Albion Hill, continuing into Grove Hill, where officers from the Roads Policing Unit (RPU) and Tactical Firearms Unit (TFU) managed to safely stop the vehicle. A passenger attempted to flee on foot but was swiftly apprehended, while the driver was detained at the scene.
Arrests and Charges
Police confirmed that the driver, a 37-year-old Brighton man, was arrested on suspicion of several offences, including dangerous driving, vehicle theft, failing to stop, and drug-related charges. Meanwhile, the passenger, a 21-year-old from Hove, faces allegations of being knowingly carried in a stolen vehicle and drug-related offences. Both men have been released on bail as investigations continue.
Officer Praises Quick Action
Inspector Matt Wightwick of the RPU commented on the incident, saying:
“This was a high-speed pursuit which posed a high risk to the public in Brighton. Officers were able to safely stop the vehicle and make the arrests before anyone could be seriously harmed. With the support of colleagues from TFU, they showed great teamwork to safely resolve the short pursuit.”
Inspector Wightwick highlighted the importance of such interventions in protecting road users, adding:
“It demonstrates the professionalism and determination of officers to catch serious offenders on our roads.”
