Lancashire Police arrest driver of purple Ford Fiesta who fled scene of Leyland crash

A 23-year-old man was arrested after fleeing the scene of a crash in Leyland.

Police had attempted to engage with the driver of a purple Ford Fiesta while stopped at traffic lights near the M6.

The driver made off only to crash into another vehicle, a Volkswagen Amarok, around a mile away at the junction of Church Road and Canberra Road.

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The man then took off on foot towards Runshaw College but was soon caught by an officer and a member of the public. Lancashire Police said the 23-year-old was arrested on suspicion of multiple driving offences including dangerous driving, as well as criminal damage and possession with intent to supply Class A controlled substances.

He was taken into custody for interview and has since been released on bail.

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Full police statement

In a post on Facebook, South Ribble Police said: "On Church Road in Leyland at approximately 10.25am, officers attempted to engage with the driver of a purple Ford Fiesta whilst it was stationary at the traffic lights heading towards the motorway.

"Upon realising that it was the police, the 23-year-old male made off.

"That same car shortly after this was involved in a collision with a blue Volkswagen Amarok at the junction of Church Road and Canberra Road, where it came off second best leaving the Fiesta undriveable.

"The driver got out of the car and made off down Langdale Road and then onto Borrowdale Road where he was detained by PC Anderson and a brave member of the public, who also helped us locate some items which had been discarded during the incident.

"The 23-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving as well as multiple driving offences, criminal damage and possession with intent to supply Class A controlled substances.

"He has been interviewed and since been placed on bail.

"If you witnessed this incident or have any doorbell or dash cam footage of the incident please email [email protected] and quote log reference loc-20240326-0383."