Man arrested after car crashes with Go North East bus in Cleadon

Witnesses told how the number 24 service Go North East bus was involved in a crash with the car, which police said had failed to stop earlier.

The crash happened on the A1018 Sunderland Road in Cleadon, South Tyneside.

A passenger on the bus said: “I thought we had run over someone on a motorbike – lots of pieces of debris flew past the window.

“A few moments later, police cars dashed past, and the police helicopter was in the air, so it looked like they were in a police chase.”

The passenger said she “is still in shock.”

Police said a 21-year-old remains in custody on suspicion of dangerous driving.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At 8am today (Monday), we became aware of a vehicle of interest in the South Tyneside area.

“Later, the vehicle failed to stop when requested to do so by officers at about 1pm on Prince Edward Road and made off from the scene.

“A short time later, the vehicle was involved in a collision with another vehicle on the A1018 Sunderland Road before coming to a stop on Underhill Road in Cleadon.

“No-one is reported to have been injured in the incident.

“A man, aged 21, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving at the scene – he remains in police custody and enquiries are ongoing.”