High-Speed Orpington Chase Ends in Shocking Crash and Gas Leak
Two suspects are in custody after a wild police pursuit through Orpington, Kent, ended with a VW Passat smashing into a property on Mountview Road just after 8.15pm on Wednesday.
Gas Main Ruptured in Crash Sparks Evacuations
The impact fractured a gas main, causing a huge gas cloud to billow from the property. Emergency crews from the ambulance service and Orpington fire station rushed to the scene. Nearby residents were told to evacuate, while others were ordered to keep windows and doors tightly shut as a precaution.
Chase Ends With Suspects Fleeing Into Woodland
After crashing, the car’s two occupants scattered into nearby woodland. A police helicopter joined the hunt alongside dog handlers from the Met Taskforce. The suspects attempted to hide but were quickly located and arrested with the help of a police dog.
Major Road Closures and Ongoing Investigation
- Large sections of Perry Hall Road and Mountview Road remain closed.
- Bus Route 61 is diverted due to the closures.
- Gas engineers are on site repairing the damaged gas main.
- Police have launched a formal investigation and officers are still at the scene.
The Met Police have been approached for comment. More updates to follow.
