Robbery goes wrong as car chase through Northampton ends with would-be crook crashing into ditch

A would-be robber was arrested after crashing his car following a high-speed chase through Northampton involving the victim he was trying to steal money from.

Stunned Duston residents assumed two cars speeding through the village on Saturday lunchtime (May 23) were being driven by 'boy racers'.

But it turned out that behind the wheel of the second vehicle, a silver Audi, was the raging victim who had his cash taken after turning up to buy a car.

The pair raced through Duston before the would-be thief lost control of his red BMW into a ditch and crashed on Berrywood Road, near to Sandy Lane, in the village.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: "This incident happened between 12.30pm and 1pm when two people met to complete a transaction regarding the sale of a car.

"The seller attempted to rob the buyer of cash and drive away with it. The buyer engaged in a pursuit ending in the seller crashing their car, a red BMW, into a ditch.

"The driver, a 21-year-old man from Northampton, has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and possession with intent to supply cannabis and released under investigation pending further enquiries.

"We would always advise people to immediately call the police when a crime is in progress as opposed to pursuing the suspects yourself.

“Not only does this allow us to collect the best evidence possible but most importantly, limits the possibility of you getting into danger or being injured.”

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