TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of driving at speeds of up to 70mph on a 15-minute rampage through Warrington and Newton yesterday, Thursday.

Officers from Merseyside Police first spotted the car at around 7.25pm on Alder Lane in Burtonwood driving at 70mph on the wrong side of the road.

Police started to follow the blue Vauxhall Vectra as it sped through Vulcan Village, Newton and then Winwick Quay – regularly above the speed limit and on the wrong side of the carriageway.

Officers from Cheshire Police then joined the search after the car was seen speeding along Cromwell Avenue.

The vehicle was stopped on Winwick Road after it hit the kerb and suffered a punctured tyre.

The driver tried to run off, but the suspect was arrested by officers nearby at 7.37pm.

Members of Cheshire's dog patrol team then searched for the passenger before making a second arrest at 7.45pm.

An 18-year-old from Newton-le-Willows and a 20-year-old from Birchwood were taken to St Helens Police Station where they are still being questioned by officers.

The pair were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, driving while under the influence of drink or drugs and various motoring offences.

Anyone with information can call Merseyside Police on 101 quoting incident number 997 of July 28.