A dramatic high-speed police pursuit in the early hours of Friday morning ended in a catastrophic collision on the A1 near Derwent Haugh, Gateshead, leaving seven police officers injured and causing significant disruption on one of the region’s busiest roads.
The incident occurred just before 2:30am after Northumbria Police attempted to stop a dark grey BMW M Sport in Whickham at around 2:00am due to concerns about its driving. When the vehicle failed to stop, specialist officers from the Roads Policing Unit authorised a pursuit at 2:25am. Merely two minutes later, the BMW crashed near the Derwent Haugh Road junction—an area historically linked to the 2010 Raoul Moat manhunt.
The impact of the collision was devastating. Images from the scene showed four marked police vehicles extensively damaged, including one with its roof torn off. An unmarked car was also seen flipped onto its side. Emergency services quickly responded, and the A1 between Swalwell and Denton was closed for more than 12 hours, triggering major traffic delays throughout Friday morning.
Charges Filed
Mazyar Azarbonyad, 20, of Sylvia Terrace, Durham, has been charged with multiple offences relating to the incident. The charges include:
- Dangerous driving
- Two counts of failing to stop
- Two counts of driving without insurance
- Two counts of driving not in accordance with a licence
- Four additional counts of driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
- Four counts of no insurance use
Azarbonyad is due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 19 April 2025.
A woman in her 20s, who was also arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving, has been released with no further action in relation to that charge but remains on bail for separate allegations of possession of Class A and B drugs.
Police and Public Response
Northumbria Police confirmed that all seven officers involved sustained non-life-threatening injuries and have since been discharged from hospital. Four officers were released shortly after treatment, while two remained under observation. One officer was treated for a leg injury before being discharged.
Superintendent Michelle Caisley praised the bravery and professionalism of those involved and urged the public to refrain from speculation while legal proceedings are ongoing.
“This incident could have had far more serious consequences. We are relieved that none of our officers were critically injured and we thank the public for their continued support,” she said.
Public Reaction
Reaction on social media platform X was swift, with many users expressing both shock and admiration for the emergency response teams.
“Absolute carnage on the A1. Can’t believe the scale of it,” wrote one witness.
“Huge respect to the ambulance crews and fire services who handled this,” posted another.
Local residents reported being woken by sirens and the sound of a police helicopter overhead, with some comparing the response to the infamous 2010 Raoul Moat manhunt.
The A1 has since reopened, but police continue to investigate the incident. Motorists are advised to continue checking for updates and avoid the area if possible during ongoing recovery work.
