Police in high speed chase

The high-speed pursuit ended shortly after the Astra driver smashed into the side of a red Vauxhall Corsa. He was eventually brought to a standstill by traffic police using a so-called 'stinger' device.

Firefighters had to cut open the crumpled Astra to free the driver, who was then arrested for serious driving offences, including driving while disqualified.

The woman driving the Corsa was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton suffering from minor injuries.

Police believe the Astra may have smashed into other vehicles during the 30-minute chase.

An officer from Shoreham traffic police explained that the 'stinger' also known as a 'stop stick' is a spiked metal device which punctures the tyres of cars that drive over it.

'You can't force a car from the road unless certain criteria are met,' said the officer. 'Lives have to be in danger before we can use the stop stick.

'We can't just set up a roadblock like everyone thinks. These things have to be dealt with carefully.'

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which reached its conclusion in Saltdean at about 2.40pm. Any witnesses are asked to contact PS Joanna Jones at the Shoreham Road Policing Unit on 0845 60 70 999.