POLICE are searching for the occupants of a car which led them on an off-road pursuit.

The incident happened in Middlesbrough early on Sunday morning.

Cleveland and Durham Road Policing Unit reported that the Ford Mondeo had made off from officers.

"The driver wasn't as good behind the wheel as they imagined and got the vehicle stuck in mud in a field in Grangetown," they reported.

"The vehicle was located by one of our 4x4 patrols, and after a short bit of rally-style driving it's now awaiting recovery on a road.

"The occupants had abandoned the vehicle prior to our arrival, and will be wet and muddy somewhere near to Grangetown.

"The vehicle is suspected to be a "community car", used without documents, and will be crushed unless claimed within 14 days."