Police chase ends in Beckton crash after officers are threatened with gun

A dramatic seven-mile pursuit after police officers had a gun pointed at them ended with a crash in Beckton early this morning.

Woolwich Manor Way is still sealed off this morning as officers carry out forensic tests following the incident.

The road is closed between its junctions with Ferndale Street and East Ham Manor Way and traffic is being diverted.

Scotland Yard said the incident began in Old Street in The City at around 3.10am when plain-clothes officers saw some men acting suspiciously. One man started to run away but then pointed a gun at officers in an area near Rimington Place in The City.

No shots were fired and police managed to detain one man.

“But a second man, aged about 20 got into a vehicle and drove off,” said a Scotland Yard spokesman.

He was pursued by police cars at high speeds for around seven miles. The chase ended when the car being driven by the second man was involved in an accident with a car in Woolwich Manor Way in Beckton, at around 3.35am.

The suspect sustained head injuries, but his condition is not serious.

“Thankfully the driver of the other car involved in the accident was not injured, but his passenger sustained minor injuries,” added the spokesman.

All three men were treated in hospital and the driver of the car that was pursued has been arrested by officers.

The area has been cordoned off while police officers investigate what happpened. It is hoped the road can re-open this morning.

Detectives from the Trident Gang Crime Command are leading the investigation.

Trident are appealing for witnesses who were in the area around 3am to contact them on (020) 7 230 9831 or anonymously on 0800 555111.