A SUSPECTED dangerous driver was arrested after witnesses reported an out-of-control car leaving a trail of destruction through a town.

The head of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department has thanked a vigilant resident who helped officers snare their suspect, on Tuesday evening.

Specialist traffic officers were deployed to South Shields at about 7.20pm after reports that a Citroen C4 was driven in a dangerous manner.

Witnesses described how the vehicle collided with bollards and several cars in the town centre, leaving the bonnet abandoned in the middle of the road.

Officers were searching for the vehicle when a member of the public informed police that the Citroen was parked nearby.

It was soon located on Redberry Way and seized by police before inquiries led to the arrest of a 23-year-old man suspected to have been behind the wheel.

Chief Inspector Sam Rennison praised the “teamwork” between his officers and members of the public.

She said: “Witnesses have described to us a vehicle driving in an erratic manner and putting the lives of other road users at risk.

“It has been reported that this vehicle has been involved in multiple collisions, driven at high speed and left its bonnet lying in the middle of the road.

“We responded quickly to reports and flooded the area with officers in a bid to locate and arrest a suspect.

“Ultimately, we have achieved that, but it may not have been possible if it was not for the eagle-eyed member of the public who pointed us in the right direction.

“Our investigation into this incident will continue but I hope our quick response reassures residents in South Shields.”

The arrested man has been released “under investigation” pending further inquiries.

Witnesses to the incident, or with information that may assist police, is asked to ring 101, quoting log 1105 of 11/08/20.