A TEENAGER was found hiding in bushes by a police dog after driving at more than 100mph into oncoming traffic on a busy motorway.

Liam Facey was spotted by police driving a BMW in South Shields last Wednesday but refused to stop when they asked him to pull over.

The 19-year-old led officers on a high speed pursuit during which he hit speeds of more than 100mph, drove through red lights and on the wrong side of the road.

The Northern Echo: Liam FaceyLiam Facey

A National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter was dispatched to assist officers on the ground and the crew were able to direct them to the suspect.

Officers were forced to abandon the pursuit when Facey turned onto the wrong side of the road on the A19 and nearly collided head-on with a police car.

The police helicopter continued to follow the silver BMW 318ti until the thief turned off the motorway and abandoned the vehicle on the roadside.

PC Helen Kane and her dog Ziva were dispatched in the area, guided by the helicopter crew, and within minutes the six-year-old Belgian Herder had found the suspect hiding in the woods.

He was arrested and later charged with dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and failing to stop for police.

Facey, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to all charges at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court and faces jail when he is sentenced.

Chief Inspector Dave Guthrie said: “It is sheer luck that he was not involved in a serious accident.”

Facey was also wanted for outstanding motor offences at the time of his arrest and will be sentenced for them when he appears before Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing on July 11.

Ch Insp Guthrie added: “His driving was that dangerous that our officers were left with no choice but to abandon the pursuit to try and reduce the risk to other cars.

“It was during this time that Liam Facey took the opportunity to abandon the vehicle so that he could take cover in woodlands just off the A19.

“What he didn’t consider was just how good our police dogs can be and PD Ziva was quickly able to catch his scent and find him hiding in some bushes.

“Thanks to the teamwork of the Dog Section, our traffic officers and the police helicopter we have been able to get the suspect into custody.

“They have passed the case to the investigative team at Southwick Police Station who have then gathered the evidence that ultimately secured an early guilty plea and a conviction.

“Liam Facey now faces a spell behind bars and this should come as a stern warning to anyone who thinks they can get the better of our operational teams.”