Locals have described a terrifying Aberdeen police chase that came to a sudden halt as a car crashed with a bang that could be heard streets away.
Witnesses heard the screeching of tyres before a blue Renault Clio lost control and collided with a signpost, with three men confirmed to have been arrested.
Four to five police vehicles had been pursuing the car, which has been confirmed as being stolen, from University Road in Old Aberdeen – and they were soon joined on the scene, in Fountainhall Road, by armed officers.
The incident was described as “terrifying” by local people, who said the area was often busy with children.
One witness said he’d walked past the spot where the crash took place moments earlier.
He told The Press and Journal: “I was standing at the roundabout and I heard screeching.
“When I looked back I saw the car. I think it may have been on two wheels.
“It came round Queens Cross and into Fountainhall Road.
Four or five police vehicles were in pursuit
“There were four to five police cars behind it.
“The driver tried to give them the slip by going up Queens Lane North, but then smashed into the signpost.
“There was a massive bang.”
‘It is terrifying to think what could have happened’
A number of schoolchildren could be spotted walking past the crashed car in the moments after it came to a shuddering halt.
One man, who works in nearby Carden Place, said: “I ran past the exact spot where the car hit the signpost about ten minutes before.
“It is terrifying to think what could have happened
“The street is always busy, especially around lunchtime.
“There are lots of people who work in the area, or who use businesses along the street, and there are lots of schoolchildren.
“There are plenty of nurseries around here too, so footfall is high.”
Crash was heard all around
Numerous people within the area heard the collision.
One member of staff at Penguin’s Laundry, which is just feet away from the scene of the crash, said he heard a loud bang.
And a team member at the Co-op also said they heard a crashing sound at about 2.30pm.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “At around 2.25pm on Thursday, June 19, a car failed to stop for officers on University Road, Aberdeen.
“A short pursuit took place before the car crashed on Fountainhall Road at the junction with Queens Lane North.
“Three men, aged 31, 38 and 44 were arrested in connection with road traffic offences and the theft of a car and enquiries are ongoing.”
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