Police Dashcam Captures Dramatic M60 Chase and Ramming of Wrong-Way Driver
Dramatic dashcam footage released by Greater Manchester Police has revealed the intense moments when officers rammed a vehicle driving the wrong way on the M60 motorway. The incident, which unfolded on the evening of February 17, 2026, resulted in the detention of three individuals and significant damage to two police cars.
Chase Triggered by ANPR Alert
The pursuit began at approximately 7:22 PM after an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera flagged a possible cloned or stolen vehicle. Officers were dispatched to Bury New Road in Heywood, near Rochdale, where the suspect car had been detected.
Upon arrival, police spotted the vehicle and initiated surveillance. As the car pulled into a petrol station, the driver noticed a police presence and attempted to flee, prompting an immediate chase onto the motorway.
High-Speed Pursuit and Dangerous Maneuvers
The suspect vehicle, followed by two police cars, weaved through high-speed traffic on the M60. In a reckless move, the driver attempted to exit the motorway by performing an illegal U-turn, which led to the vehicle traveling in the wrong direction.
Greater Manchester Police stated, "This posed a significant risk to the public going the wrong way on the motorway and required immediate tactical intervention from officers." Officers successfully quartered the vehicle twice to prevent it from leaving the motorway, minimizing the danger to other road users.
Tactical Intervention and Arrests
After a four-minute pursuit, police made tactical contact with the suspect vehicle, bringing it to a stop. The ramming maneuver, captured on dashcam, ended the chase safely but resulted in significant damage to both police vehicles involved.
All three occupants of the fleeing car were detained at the scene. The driver was arrested on suspicion of multiple offenses, including:
- Theft of a motor vehicle
- Failing to stop for police
- Dangerous driving
- Driving without insurance
The two passengers sustained minor injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver has been released on bail pending further investigation into the incident.
Public Safety and Police Response
This incident highlights the risks associated with high-speed chases on busy motorways and the swift actions taken by police to protect public safety. The use of tactical interventions, such as ramming, is reserved for situations where there is an immediate threat to life or property.
Greater Manchester Police have emphasized that their priority was to prevent a potentially catastrophic accident, given the vehicle's wrong-way travel on a major motorway. The released footage serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the challenges faced by law enforcement in such scenarios.
