Police Officers Hospitalized After A1 Car Chase Collision

A significant collision involving multiple police vehicles occurred on the A1 near Denton, Newcastle, resulting in several officers being hospitalized. The incident, which involved at least four police cars, took place on the northbound carriageway shortly before 2:30 am on Wednesday. The road was closed in both directions, causing substantial delays.

Images from the scene revealed extensive damage to the police vehicles, including one car on its side and another with its roof torn off. Debris was scattered across the northbound carriageway. Crash investigators were dispatched to the site to examine the circumstances of the accident.

The North East Ambulance Service responded to the call, sending multiple ambulance crews, specialist paramedics, and support from the Great North Air Ambulance Service. Seven officers were transported to the hospital for treatment. National Highways announced that the A1 would remain closed in both directions into Wednesday afternoon.

The incident began when Northumbria Police attempted to stop a dark grey BMW M Sport in the Whickham area of Gateshead due to concerns about its driving. The car fled, leading to a pursuit that ended in a collision involving the BMW and five police vehicles near the Derwenthaugh Road junction.

Seven officers were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Four have been discharged, two remain for observation, and one is receiving treatment for a leg injury. The two occupants of the BMW were uninjured. A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and a woman, also in her 20s, was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving. Both remain in police custody.

Superintendent Michelle Caisley from Northumbria Police stated that an investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances of the incident and requested anyone with relevant information to come forward.