Police appeal after stolen car is driven at 90mph through Crawley

Roads policing officers began following a black Audi S3 at 11.30pm on Saturday (January 11) after its driver failed to stop for a patrol in Crawley.

The Audi, travelling at speed, was followed from the A23 Crawley Avenue towards junction 10 of the M23.

The pursuit continued south on the M23 to junction 11 where the Audi turned off and headed into Broadfield.

It was found moments later parked in Pelham Place in Broadfield at 11.45pm.

The driver had escaped.

The car was later reported as having been stolen from outside a home in Warnham Road, Furnace Green, some time after 6pm on Saturday.

Superintendent Jane Derrick, the head of the roads policing unit, said: “The driver was travelling at up to 90mph trying to escape from us on major roads and into a residential area of Crawley.

“Although we are determined to catch the driver, our primary concern on Saturday night had to be that of the safety of other members of the public who were on the roads and pavements in the area.

“We were careful not to use any tactics that could have endangered other drivers or pedestrians and unfortunately the offender escaped and has not yet been arrested.

“We are still actively looking for the driver. We need to get him or her off the streets before lives are put at risk by this person’s erratic and dangerous behaviour.”

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who saw the Audi being driven between 6pm and 11.45pm on Saturday or the moment when it was abandoned in Pelham Place.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting serial 1505 of 11/1, email [email protected] or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

To report vehicles being driven antisocially visit the Operation Crackdown website.