A HIGH speed police chase along the A48 came to a grinding halt last Wednesday (August 28) after police used a stinger device to catch the culprit on the Lydney bypass.

At least two police cars and a police helicopter went on a pursuit at 4.50pm from Gloucester on the A40 after the driver of an Audi 80 failed to stop. The chase finished in Lydney just 20 minutes later.

The 33-year-old driver, allegedly from Witney in Oxfordshire, travelled along the A48 through Minsterworth and Westbury to Lydney during rush-hour traffic.

Police eventually stopped the car at 5.10pm by throwing the device across the road which contains spikes to safely deflate car tyres.

The driver was arrested and has been charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop a vehicle when required, driving a vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence, criminal damage and three counts of making off without payment at petrol stations in Gloucester.

He has been bailed to appear at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on September 27.