The drama began around 10.30am on Tuesday when officers from Greater Manchester Police's Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit spotted a black Nissan Qashqai being driven dangerously and erratically. They tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused.
High-Speed Pursuit Across Salford
The Qashqai tore through terraced streets, raced the wrong way up a dual carriageway, circled roundabouts against traffic, and mounted grass verges. At one point, it blasted through a Tesco supermarket car park as shoppers scattered.
The pursuit reached speeds of 100mph and required multiple marked and unmarked vehicles plus two helicopters from the National Police Air Service to keep the suspect in sight along the East Lancashire Road and surrounding residential roads.
Stinger Device Ends Chase
The chase ended when officers deployed a stinger that shredded the Qashqai's tyres. As the stinger was deployed, the suspect's vehicle dragged it, leaving one officer with a hand injury requiring hospital treatment. Earlier, the driver had reverse-rammed an unmarked police car, causing minor damage. A member of the public was also taken to hospital with minor injuries after the fleeing vehicle collided with her car.
Arrest and Charges
The 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and failing to stop. He remains in custody.
Police Sergeant Neil Molloy of the Specialist Operations Team's Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit said: "This level of driving is obviously extremely dangerous, and I'm thankful to report that no one was seriously hurt during this pursuit. The reckless actions of this man put members of the public at risk, and we're incredibly lucky that no one suffered serious injuries as a result of his actions. Driving in this manner through built-up residential areas is completely unacceptable, and I am pleased that our officers acted swiftly and professionally to bring the incident to a safe conclusion, secure an arrest and seize the vehicle."
Footage released by Greater Manchester Police shows the Qashqai weaving through traffic, mounting kerbs, and driving head-on towards oncoming cars. The force said the pursuit was carefully managed to minimise risk to the public, with the National Police Air Service providing an aerial eye that allowed ground units to keep a safe distance until the stinger could be used.
The incident left roads temporarily closed and residents shaken. Police have appealed for any further witnesses or dashcam footage to come forward. The arrested man is expected to appear in court once questioning is complete. Officers continue to examine the circumstances. No one else is being sought in connection with the incident.
