POLICE used stinger devices to halt a stolen car being driven at speeds of up to 85mph.

Patrol cars and a police helicopter were called at 6.45pm on Sunday, after residents reported a red Ford Escort being driven dangerously in Dunnock Way, Blackbird Leys. For the next 45 minutes, the car was driven around East Oxford, evading patrol cars. It was driven at up to 60mph in 30mph zones, and reached a top speed of 85mph.

At 7.30pm, the police used a stinger - a metal device with spikes - to puncture the tyres of the car in Wheatley Road, Garsington. It came to a halt in a field and two youths were arrested.

Oxford police spokesman Toby Shergold said: "The vehicle is also being connected with a number of minor road traffic incidents and with bilking (taking petrol without paying)".