A POLICE pursuit this week ended in a crash that gridlocked Pool-in-Wharfedale.

The incident happened just after 3.30pm on Monday, September 11 on the A658 near Pool Bridge.

A North Yorkshire Police operation to track down a Mercedes-Benz had been put in place following a burglary in Harrogate half an hour earlier.

Police officers in an armed response vehicle spotted the car travelling towards Pool-in-Wharfedale and began a short pursuit.

The vehicle was in collision with two cars, a red Volkswagen Golf and a red Volkswagen Polo, before it came to halt.

The Mercedes-Benz was then recovered and the driver arrested after he had run into a field.

The accident caused major traffic disruption and the road was closed - it eventually reopened at about 8pm - to allow the emergency services to work.

The 62-year-old male driver of the Polo received treatment for a shoulder injury, while a police officer needed hospital treatment after suffering a knee injury during the arrest.

He has been signed off duty for ten days while he recovers.

*A 22 year old Bradford man was due to appear at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 12 to be charged with burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence or insurance.