Dramatic 130mph police chase ends in arrest near Thirsk

The driver failed to pull over, sparking a high-speed pursuit through Thirsk

Author: Grace O'HarePublished 4th Nov 2025

A late-night police chase reaching speeds of more than 130mph came to a dramatic end near Thirsk in the early hours of Sunday 2 November.

Shortly before 3am, officers from North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group attempted to stop a silver Volkswagen Golf on the A19 near Bagby.

The driver failed to pull over, sparking a high-speed pursuit through Thirsk and South Kilvington before re-joining the A19.

During the chase, officers deployed a stinger device, successfully puncturing the car’s tyres.

Despite this, the suspect continued to drive for several minutes before leaving the road and entering a dead-end street.

The man then abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot, even wading into a river in a bid to get away.

Officers quickly caught up with him and made the arrest.

The 21-year-old was detained on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without insurance, drug driving, and possession of a Class A drug.

He remains in custody as enquiries continue.

A police spokesperson said the incident showed “the determination of officers to bring dangerous drivers to a safe conclusion and protect the public.”

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