Police helicopter and officers chase suspected stolen car through the Harborough district

A police helicopter was scrambled as officers chased a suspected stolen car through the Harborough district in the early hours of Saturday (August 8).

Two young women were arrested when cops up ahead deployed a ‘stinger’ device or spike strip to puncture the Vauxhall Corsa’s tyres near Husbands Bosworth.

The drama started after the car – believed to have false number plates – failed to stop for police in Fosse Road North, Leicester, at about 1.30am on Saturday morning.

The force helicopter was immediately drafted in to support officers in the pursuit as the Corsa was chased along the A4304.

Two women aged 20 and 21 from Leicester were detained at the scene when the Corsa was finally brought to a halt by the ‘stinger’ near Husbands Bosworth.

And a teenaged man aged 18 was also arrested in Leicester on Sunday August 9 by police investigating the incident.

A Leicestershire Police spokesman said: “Shortly after 1.30am on Saturday (8 August) police came across a vehicle in Fosse Road North, Leicester, which was believed to be on false plates.

“The vehicle was followed for a short time and was then requested to stop by officers, but failed to do so.

“A pursuit was authorised and the car was stopped using a stinger on the A4304 near Husbands Bosworth.”

He added: “Two women aged 21 and 20 from Leicester were arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and have been released under investigation.

“As a result of further enquiries, an 18-year-old man from Leicester was arrested yesterday (Sunday 9 August) on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, harassment and threats to damage property.

“He has since been released on bail.”