Thieves stole scaffolding from a Black Country building site before leading police on a chase, throwing the metal from their car as they fled.

A gang targeted the old Wordsley Hospital site, which is currently being converted into new homes. They were spotted dismantling the scaffolding by a member of the public, who alerted police to the raid.

As officers arrived, a Ford Fiesta was fleeing from the scene. Police pursued them down the A491 Lydiate Ash, and watched as scaffolding poles were thrown into the street from the car. The Fiesta eventually stopped a mile away from the scene, on Windermere Drive in Kingswinford.

The drama unfolded at 12.20am yesterday morning and three men were being questioned today in connection with the theft.

Sergeant Chris Fox, who leads the continuing fight against metal theft in Dudley, said today: “We continue to tackle metal theft across the area and officers aim to respond quickly and effectively where such incidents occur in order to detain people suspected of involvement in such crimes.”

Three men, one aged 20   and two aged 24, have been arrested on suspicion of theft. One of the 24-year-old’s was also arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without authority and driving whilst disqualified.

It comes as police in the Wyre Forest revealed metal thieves had struck 140 times at buildings in the area over the last three months.

Homes and businesses have been targeted as the price of scrap metal rises.

West Mercia Police revealed they had 60 metal thefts reported in April, 49 in May and 31 this month.

Earlier this month £50,000 worth of lead was stripped from the old Morrisons supermarket in New Road, Kidderminster while £6,000 worth of metal children’s play equipment was taken from the former Crown Inn pub in Old Chester Road South in the town. Thefts have also been reported in Stourport with lead flashing taken from the roofs and windows at homes in Windermere Way in Stourport while last month 65 cast iron drain covers, were stolen from streets in Stourport.

Witnesses are asked to contact police on 0300 333 3000.