Mercedes driver films himself reaching 'ludicrous speeds' of up to 160mph on M61

A Mercedes A35 AMG was reported to have been driving at speeds of up to 160mph on the M61 and at 103mph in a residential area of Bacup.

A video which showed the motorist's speedometer reaching speeds of up to 160mph was reported to police after it was uploaded to Facebook in May.

The vehicle, registered to a 21-year-old man from Whitworth, had been modified with a body kit and exhaust system which had not been declared to the insurance provider.

As the Mercedes headed out of the Blackpool area and drove along the M61, the automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system was activated.

Officers intercepted the car and it was seized under the Road Traffic Act. It has since been repossessed.

PC David Benson of Lancashire Police said: "The registered keeper of the Mercedes has lost his vehicle and his bragging rights.

"We are now looking into the ludicrous speeds achieved, but, in the meantime, a very powerful car has been taken off the public roads and, in all probability, saved lives."

Further enquires are ongoing relating to the speeding offences.

Anybody with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 or emailing [email protected], quoting log number 1635 of May.