Two men have been arrested after a harrowing police chase involving a car carrying a three-year-old child and a dog, reaching speeds of up to 150mph. The pursuit culminated in a crash into a lamp post in Bentley Street, Rochdale, leaving authorities shocked and alarmed by the reckless endangerment of lives.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reported that the Audi A3, with the child and dog onboard, crashed at 7.10pm after a dramatic chase that began on Bury New Road, Heywood. Lasting 13 minutes, the pursuit wound through Rochdale, toward Whitworth, and back to Rochdale before the fateful collision.

Despite the terrifying speed and intensity of the chase, both the child and the dog emerged from the wreckage unscathed. Authorities promptly placed the child under police protection, ensuring their safety in the aftermath of the incident.

The two men behind the wheel of the speeding vehicle were arrested on multiple charges, including suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, and possessing cannabis with intent to supply. The gravity of their actions, compounded by the presence of a young child and an innocent animal, underscores the severity of the situation.

Inspector Richard Shelton, representing GMP’s Rochdale district, condemned the recklessness of the offenders, emphasizing the profound risk they imposed on the child and the public. He expressed gratitude for the swift response of law enforcement officers in securing the arrests, safeguarding the child, and removing the vehicle from circulation.

The incident serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers posed by irresponsible and dangerous driving behaviours, particularly in the presence of vulnerable passengers. As authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the chase, the safety and well-being of the child remain paramount, underscoring the urgent need for accountability and justice in this troubling case.