Driver 'speeds to 135mph' in A13 chase in Essex before cashing into tree

A driver fleeing police allegedly reached speeds of up to 135mph before colliding with a tree - only to still end up being taken into custody.

The man, from north London, failed to stop the grey BMW shortly after 1am on Saturday morning on the A127 in Rayleigh in Essex.

Officers suspected the vehicle had been stolen and signalled for the vehicle to stop but it did not and was followed by the officers on the A13 whilst it reached speeds in excess of 100mph.

The vehicle continued towards Tilbury through Chadwell St Mary and then collided with a tree near to Hume Avenue. The driver then left the vehicle and attempted to flee, said police.

Officers from Essex Police's operational policing command were in the area at the time and arrested a 19-year-old man.

He was taken into custody to be questioned on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, taking a vehicle without consent, driving whilst uninsured and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Ch Insp Julia Finch, of the operational policing command, said: “At all times, officers followed this vehicle safely and there was never any wider threat to our community.

"All officers involved in this incident are extremely well-trained to carry out their roles – and that training is especially important in extremely cold weather."