A CAR crashing into roadworks, suspects hiding in gardens, and the smell of freshly prepared cheeseburgers – that’s what police had to deal with as they made a number of arrests last night.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of drug driving after Cleveland and Durham RPU spotted a black Fiat Punto driving erratically in Hartlepool.

The vehicle was driven off road and then into roadworks before being abandoned.

Two males were located close by with officers arresting them on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle, no licence, no insurance, fail to stop, dangerous driving and drug driving.

They remain in custody whilst enquiries are on going.

A silver Skoda was also stolen overnight in Hartlepool.

It was pursued a short distance before it crashed into a roundabout and a another vehicle belonging to a member of the public.

Police confirmed no one was seriously hurt and the occupants made off on foot and all five were detained nearby, the driver being located hiding in gardens.

All five remain in custody this morning whilst enquiries are on going.

A Ford Focus in Billingham was also reported stolen in the early hours of this morning.

The vehicle was eventually located leaving Wolviston Services on the A19.

A post on the Cleveland & Durham RPU Facebook page said: “With the suspected thief in cuffs on suspicion of TWOC and drug driving, we had to endure the smell of freshly made Cheeseburgers all the way to custody....we weren't lovin' it.”

Police also dealt with further incidents last night including reports of a stolen white BMW 1 Series, which was taken after vehicle keys were taken from its owner whilst enjoying a night out.

After a pursuit in Hartlepool, it was abandoned. The three occupants were detained nearby, two with the assistance of the police dog section.