An idiotic gang sparked a major police search after driving a stolen Audi at officers.
The A3 was spotted being driven "at speed" on a 2.30am joyride in Kirkby this morning.
The "high performance" vehicle was dumped in Melling after a police helicopter was deployed to find it.
The car was initially spotted on Bank Lane, heading towards Headbolt Lane.
A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "The car failed to stop for officers and made off.
"It was abandoned on Waddicar Lane, Melling and up to four occupants are believed to have run off.
"An area search was carried out, supported by our dog unit and the National Police Air Service helicopter.
The car was stolen from the Maghull area earlier this week and the spokesman said it would be reunited with its owner.
Slamming those responsible on Facebook, officers from the Knowsley neighbourhood team wrote: "To the four individuals who believe stealing high performance vehicles, driving at police vehicles and failing to stop for the police is acceptable - our message is simple; we will find you.
"A detailed forensic analysis, in order to gather the best evidence with a view to putting the suspects before the courts, will now take place."
*Anyone who saw the incident or may have captured these men running off in the area of Melling around 3am is asked to check home/business CCTV and dashcam and contact police via Twitter (@MerPolCC), by calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, with reference 76 from March 26.
