A STOLEN 4x4 has been brought to a standstill after police deployed a stinger device in a bid to end a “lengthy pursuit”.

Witnesses reported seeing the driver of a Nissan Navara pick-up truck performing hand-brake turns in Teesside Park’s car park, Stockton, on Wednesday night, with Cleveland and Durham Roads Policing Unit (RPU) responding to the incident.

A pursuit across Stockton eventually ended on the outskirts of Darlington after RPU burst three of the Navara’s tyres with a stinger near Sadberge.

An RPU spokesman said: “All three occupants were detained and arrested.

“The passengers were arrested on suspicion of taking [the 4x4] without the owner’s consent, whilst the driver was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, fail to stop, no insurance and no licence, as well as drug driving after providing a positive roadside sample.

“The vehicle was recovered and the keeper notified.

“The young men involved remain with us until they are interviewed this morning.”