POLICE believe a vehicle they pursued in the Grangetown area of Middlesbrough was a so-called "community car".

Officers from Cleveland and Durham Road Policing Unit following the car on Tuesday night.

"Following a short pursuit in Grangetown, this Ford Fiesta was located abandoned," said a spokesman.

"Despite a search of gardens close by it appears the driver has made good his escape. A forensic eye will now be cast over the vehicle in an effort to identify the driver.

"We suspect this to be a community vehicle as it currently has no insurance. Straight to the crusher!"