A FLEET of police cars and a helicopter chased a suspected stolen car at high speed for more than 20 miles through Aireborough, Horsforth and Otley.

The driver eventually abandoned the car outside the Posthouse Hotel, Bramhope, after scraping the sides of several parked cars.

The pursuit began after a report of a gold-coloured Ford Escort being stolen outside The Fountain fish and chip shop in Harrogate Road, Yeadon, at around 8.30pm on Wednesday of last week.

Five police cars joined in the high speed chase, and the West Yorkshire Police helicopter was called in, after a car matching the stolen car's description was spotted.

The chase led towards Leeds-Bradford Airport, before the car turned around and sped back towards Horsforth, passing through Rawdon. After heading along Low Lane, the chase led to the Hawksworth Estate, before returning to Horsforth.

Police gave chase to Cookridge, and on to the A660, where the pursuit continued through Bramhope village, past the Fox and Hounds pub, and towards Otley.

The chase then led along the Otley bypass, back through Otley town centre, along Gay Lane, and back onto the A660 towards Leeds.

A small crowd gathered on Leeds Road, Otley, as the cars shot past. The pursuit ended in Bramhope just minutes later, when the driver abandoned the car.

l A 28-year-old man has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking, burglary and dangerous driving.

He appeared before magistrates on Friday.