Man and two boys arrested after police chase ends in Hutton

Police said officers gave chase to a Fiat Panda that was reported stolen from a home in Preston before the car was brought to a stop in Liverpool Road at around 7am.

The pursuit began after the suspected thieves reportedly drove off from a petrol station in Preston Road, Chorley without paying for fuel shortly before 6am.

Staff at the petrol station reported the alleged theft and soon after, police spotted the vehicle and began following it.

Officers signaled for the driver to pull over, but the driver failed to stop and a chase ensued.

Police managed to stop the Fiat 12 miles away in Liverpool Road, Hutton at around 7am and three teenagers have been arrested.

The suspected driver, an 18-year-old man from Chorley, was arrested on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, drug driving and possession of a class A drug.

A 14-year-old from Chorley was arrested on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without consent and another 14-year-old boy from Chorley was detained on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking and making off without payment.

They remain in police custody.

Liverpool Road was closed between Skip Lane and Chapel Lane (Longton) until around 8.30am, whilst the stolen car was recovered.

Stagecoach was unable to serve Longton and Hutton due to the road closure, with services 2 and 2A diverted via the bypass.

The bus service has now resumed its normal route.

Full statement from Lancashire Police

"We were called at shortly before 6am this morning (Thursday, February 11) to the report of a group of people driving off in a car without paying for fuel at a service station in Preston Road, Chorley.

"The Fiat Panda, believed to have been stolen from Preston, was followed by police and was eventually stopped in Liverpool Road in Hutton.

"The suspected driver, an 18-year-old man from Chorley, was arrested on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, drug driving and possession of a class A drug.

"A 14-year-old from Chorley was arrested on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without consent and another 14-year-old boy from Chorley was detained on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking and making off without payment.

"They remain in police custody.

"The road was closed until the car was recovered. It has now been reopened."