Man arrested after three-car crash following police pursuit in North Somerset
Five people were rushed to hospital - while it's been confirmed none of the injuries are life threatening
Police have arrested a 23-year-old man after a pursuit from Bristol into North Somerset last night - which ended up in a three vehicle crash.
Officers lost sight of the vehicle after it travelled off at speed through Avonmouth and onto the M5.
Five people were rushed to hospital - while it's been confirmed none of the injuries are life threatening.
In a statement, police said: "A 23-year-old man has been arrested following a pursuit from Bristol into North Somerset yesterday (Thursday 9 May)
"While on patrol, an officer pulled up alongside a Mercedes in Lawrence Weston at around 9pm.
"The motorist made off, after the officer asked him to turn off his vehicle.
"The suspect vehicle travelled at speed from Lawrence Weston, through Avonmouth and onto the M5 southbound before coming off at junction 19 (Portishead).
"At 9.43pm, the officer aborted the pursuit on the grounds of public safety.
"A short while later, after the car had been lost to sight, the officer came across a three-vehicle collision on the A369 Abbots Leigh Road involving the same Mercedes. The driver of that car had fled the scene on foot.
"Of the other two vehicles involved, the driver of one sustained no injuries. Five occupants the third car were taken to hospital. None of their injuries are believed to be life-threatening.
"Officers, with the support of the drone unit and National Police Air Service, searched the area and a man was located and arrested on suspicion of driving dangerously and failing to stop. He remains in police custody.
"We would like to thank members of the local community for their support in the search, who utilised a community group chat to support officers with possible sightings.
"If you have any dashcam footage, or witnessed any of the pursuit or collision, please call 101 and quote reference 5224118986."