DETECTIVES are today hunting a car thief who sped through Ipswich town centre during a dramatic daytime chase.

Josh Warwick

DETECTIVES are today hunting a car thief who sped through Ipswich town centre during a dramatic daytime chase.

So dangerous was the thief's driving that police were forced to abort their pursuit for fear of causing an accident which could have put pedestrians' and other motorists' lives at risk.

The drama unfolded in Fore Street on Monday at around 2.30pm when specialist number plate recognition cameras spotted a stolen Renault Laguna.

Officers were immediately dispatched to the scene, but the driver accelerated away, heading towards Duke Street and towards the town centre.

When the car was held up on the one-way system, it careered the wrong way along Grimwade Street and mounted the pavement to avoid on-coming vehicles.

The car, registration R823 YVG, was stolen following a burglary in Callisto Court in Ipswich between 12.45am and 8.15am on Monday.

A wallet, cash and a mobile phone were also taken in the raid.

Today, detective inspector Kevin Hayward, who is leading the investigation, branded the thief “highly irresponsible”.

He said: “It was very dangerous.

“As a result and due to the dangerous manner of the driving, our officers had to abort their pursuit for the safety of the public.

“This was highly irresponsible and the driver had no regard for members of the public.

“We would appeal for anyone with information as to where the car is or if they have seen the car since to contact us.”

The driver was white, slightly tanned, aged in his mid to late 20s, of athletic build, with a round head, closely shaven dark brown or black hair and with stubble around his mouth and chin.

Those with information should call Dc James Harper at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

- Was it your car that was stolen? Contact The Evening Star news desk on 01473 324788 or email starnews@eveningstar.co.uk