[07 SEP 00] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Man Jumps From Van In Motorway Escape

A man driving a stolen van jumped out of it while it was still moving and escaped as police tried to stop him on a motorway near Coventry.

Traffic police on the M69 at the crossover point with the M6 at Ansty decided to pull over the Ford transit van, which was towing a trailer, for a routine check at 9.20pm.

As they motioned to the driver to stop he slowed down, but jumped out of the cab while the vehicle was still moving at between 20 and 30 mph.

The man landed in lane one of the motorway. The van was left empty and narrowly missed another vehicle.

It drifted across the lanes and hit the central barrier, before passing back across the motorway and coming to a stop after hitting a fence.

The man, who is white, slim, in his 20s, and has short dark brown hair, picked himself up and ran to junction 2 of the M6 where he jumped into another car.

Police later discovered that the van and trailed had been stolen. They believe that the car that collected the suspect was being driven by an accomplice.

Insp Colin Russt said:

“We are looking for anyone who may have information in connection with this incredible set of circumstances.”

He added that witnesses, particularly people who saw the second vehicle, should contact Sgt Toms on 01826 4125000 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.