A MOTORIST who refused to stop for police was caught after driving towards oncoming traffic on the A1.

The man drove the wrong way on the Western Bypass during a police chase that started in Consett.

He initially failed to stop for officers on Villa Real Road at 11.30pm on Friday morning but was arrested after abandoning the car on the hard shoulder.

Detectives investigating are now appealing for information from anyone who might have witnessed the pursuit.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “It is believed an Alfa Romeo Mito travelled from Consett to Team Valley and drove along the wrong side of the A1 heading northbound on a southbound carriageway.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage of the incident call 101.