Masked thugs shoved an old woman to the ground and stole her car before leading police on a dramatic chase along the M61.
The pursuit ended after the stolen Mercedes was rammed by police - injuring three officers and a 15-year-old boy.
GMP were first called to Moss Bank Park in Bolton on Friday afternoon.
A 75-year-old woman had been walking her dog in the park and was returning to her car when she was confronted by three masked men.
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They threatened her and threw her to the ground before callously snatching the keys to the A-Class from her hand and driving away in the stolen car.
At around 11.15am the following morning (Saturday), the red Mercedes was spotted by police on Watergate Lane in Over Hulton.
A chase unfolded, with officers pursuing the vehicle southbound along the M61 before it exited at J3 for Kearsley spur.
The driver then attempted to pull a u-turn and drive towards oncoming traffic.
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At this point officers decided to stop the car by ramming it.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of robbery, dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified.
He was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries sustained in the collision but he has since been released.
Officers also arrested a 21-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of robbery. All three remain in custody for questioning.
Three officers suffered minor injuries as a result of the pursuit.
Sgt Jon McColl, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "The stolen vehicle was pursued and tactical contact was used to stop the car as it made a dangerous attempt to drive the wrong way down the motorway.
"Thanks to the quick-thinking of the officers, they prevented what could easily have been an extremely serious collision.
"If you have any information which might help police, please get in touch with us as soon as you can."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741 alternatively call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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