Police swoop on smashed car in Augusta Place, Worthing

Four people abandoned the vehicle and fled but were caught by police after a chase on foot.

Late on Friday evening a burglary was reported at a flat in St Catherine's Terrace, Hove, and a set of car keys were stolen.

The following day they returned and stole the car, a grey Ford Focus.

Police investigated and tracked the car down in Worthing town centre at about 8.15pm yesterday.

They followed the car out of the town towards Goring.

When it reached Pembroke Avenue, the driver suddenly accelerated and raced away from officers, heading back towards Worthing town centre.

But, as the driver sped through Augusta Place, they lost control and the car careered into a set of bollards.

Four people jumped from the vehicle and ran from the scene, with two officers quickly setting off after them.

One officer made a beeline for the beach while another ran along the promenade as they attempted to round up the fleeing thieves.

All four were caught a short while later.

Three of the suspects were arrested just east of Worthing Pier.

The fourth suspect returned to the scene of the crash later that evening and was met by police, who swiftly arrested him.

Sergeant Vicki Rees, of the roads policing unit, said: “This was excellent work from two of our officers who used their initiative to track and locate a stolen vehicle then pursue it to Worthing where it crashed and the suspects made off.

"They gave chase on foot and all four suspects were arrested a short time later.

“The suspects remain in custody at this stage and our investigation is ongoing.”

A 16-year-old boy of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of burglary, theft from a vehicle, aggravated vehicle taking, possession of a knife in public and receiving stolen goods.

A 24-year-old from Merton was arrested on suspicion of burglary, possession of a knife in public, aggravated vehicle taking, theft by finding and handling stolen goods.

A 16-year-old boy from Croydon was arrested on suspicion of burglary, failing to stop when required by police, possession of a Class A drug, possession of an offensive weapon in public, possession of a knife in public and robbery.

And an 18-year-old man from Greenwich was arrested on suspicion of theft of a vehicle and theft by finding.