M6 police chase drama: 100mph pursuit ends as 'stolen' Audi bursts into flames

Police used a spike strip, known as a stinger, to deflate the tyres on the Audi R8 as it was driven down the M6 late last night.

Officers from the Central Motorway Police Group claimed the car had hits speeds of 100mph during the pursuit at around 10.30pm.

Traffic officers had caught up with the car at junction 8 at the link for the M5 and bid to halt the chase using the stinger.

But the car continued for around five miles before it came to a halt near junction 6 at Spaghetti Junction for the A38(M) Aston Expressway.

Moments later the car burst into flames.

A 24 year-old was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

Two further men, aged 29 and 31, in a separate car following the vehicle were also arrested after being stopped by officers for questioning in relation to the theft of the Audi.

They were taken into custody.

Officers working for CMPG tweeted: "High performance stolen vehicle safely stung junc 8 #M6 then pursued to junc 6, after driving over 100mph.

"3 males arrested & now in custody."

Highways England officials posted a warning to motorists caught up in the drama at around 11.45pm.

Long delays built up behind the closure as flames destroyed the car.

The southbound section between junction 7 for Great Barr and junction 6 was temporarily blocked due to the fire close to the exit slip road.

Crews from West Midlands Fire Service were called to the scene to extinguish the flames.

The junction 6 southbound exit for A38M was reopened at around 1.30am.