A SENIOR officer has praised cops for their skill behind the wheel after two drivers were arrested following high-speed pursuits.

At about 12.30am on Sunday police were on patrol in the Whitehall Road area of Gateshead when a driver failed to stop when instructed to do so.

The driver of the silver Vauxhall Astra then hit then sped away leading officers towards Blaydon at excess speed before losing control and colliding with a kerb.

A 21-year-old man was arrested and has since been charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop and having no insurance. He is due to appear in court next month.

Later on the same day, at about 11.50pm, officers from the Force’s Operations Department were faced with another dangerous pursuit after another car attempted to make off from them in Felling.

The driver of the blue Ford Fiesta spotted officers near Asda on Crowhall Lane and made off – even leaving the road in a bid to evade officers.

But the vehicle was cornered within four minutes as the driver headed into a Monkton cul-de-sac, with police in hot pursuit.

The 47-year-old suspect ran away but was detained on suspicion of dangerous driving. He remains in police custody at this time.

Superintendent Sam Rennison, of Northumbria Police, said: “Both of these incidents required officers to think quickly but calmly in a bid to bring two vehicles that posed a significant risk to the public to a safe stop.

“I was delighted with the outcome and would like to thank everyone involved, including our colleagues at the National Police Air Service (NPAS) who assisted our officers.

“The laws of the road are not optional, and our officers come into work every single day dedicated to ensuring our roads remain a safe place for all users.

“One of the drivers arrested is due to answer a string of charges in court next month, while another suspect remains in custody and is assisting us with our enquiries.

“We make no apology for our robust approach towards drivers who endanger the lives of others while behind the wheel, and will continue to do all we can to bring those who break the law to justice.”