18-Year-Old Arrested After High-Speed Chase Shuts A2 Near Dartford
An 18-year-old man has been arrested after a stolen car chase forced police to shut a key section of the A2 near Dartford during Wednesday’s chaotic rush hour.
Early Morning Drama on A2
Kent Police were called shortly after 4am following reports that a car was stolen during a burglary at a property in Gravesend. Officers launched an immediate search and quickly found the vehicle.
Patrols pursued the stolen car onto the A2 near Bean. At 6.21am, National Highways confirmed the entire westbound carriageway was closed between the B225 for Bean and Junction 2 of the M25 (Darenth Interchange) as police dealt with the incident.
Arrest Made, Investigation Underway
The chase ended when officers stopped the vehicle. The driver, an 18-year-old man from Essex, was arrested and remains in police custody as inquiries continue.
“Kent Police was called to a report that a car had been stolen following a burglary at a property in Gravesend, shortly after 4am on Wednesday, August 20. Patrols completed a search of the area and, following a pursuit, the vehicle was stopped on the A2 near Bean. An 18-year-old man from Essex was arrested and an investigation is underway,” a Kent Police spokesperson said.
Traffic Chaos: Four-Mile Queues and 40-Minute Delays
The closure sparked massive traffic headaches with queues stretching up to four miles and delays of around 40 minutes during the busy morning peak. Although the A2 westbound fully reopened by 6.30am, lingering congestion continued to plague motorists well after.
