A MAN suspected to have crashed a stolen car was caught by a police dog yesterday.

Officers reported witnessing a car being driven dangerously through St Helens yesterday afternoon, with the vehicle suspected to have been stolen.

The patrolling officers followed the blue Volkswagen Golf, which failed to stop for their calls to pull over on Watery Lane in Sutton.

After being pursued by officers, the Volkswagen is reported to have crashed into a garden gate post on Latham Avenue in Newton-le-Willows, with the two occupants fleeing from the scene on foot.

A short time later, police dog Quga is reported to have apprehended a man, who has now been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop, theft offences and driving dangerously. 

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A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "A man has been arrested after officers spotted a car driving dangerously in St Helens yesterday, Wednesday 10 January.

"At around 2.40pm a Volkswagen Golf failed to stop for officers on Watery Lane before crashing into a garden gate post on Latham Avenue.

"Two men made off and a short time later Police Dog Quga apprehended a man.

"A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and driving dangerously.  He has been released under investigation."

Residents with information on this incident are asked to contact the police's social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ with any information, with reference 24000049597. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.