Two sledgehammer-wielding burglary suspects were arrested after a police chase through Sunderland.
The burglary happened at a property on Fredrick Street, Seaham, on Tuesday, with men allegedly smashing up a flat with a sledgehammer before fleeing the scene in a black Volkswagen Golf.
Northumbria Police were then called to a fight in the Concorde Square area of New Silksworth in Sunderland, a few hours later.
Officers arrived on the scene and those involved in the fight got in a black Volkswagen Golf and drove off, leading the police on a pursuit.
The suspects were brought to a stop near Silksworth Lane after trying to ram a police car and a member of the public’s vehicle.
Officers arrested two men - aged 29 and 22 - in connection with an aggravated burglary at Seaham, and a 29-year-old was arrested for dangerous driving.
A Durham Constabulary spokesman said: “We are investigating a burglary that took place at a flat in Frederick Street, in Seaham, at around 12.25pm on April 14.
“Two suspects used a sledgehammer to gain entry to the flat before using it to damage property inside.
“They then made off from the scene in a black Volkswagen Golf.”
A spokesman for Northumbria Police added: “At about 3.45pm on Tuesday police received a report of a fight in the Concorde Square area of Sunderland.
“Officers attended the scene but those involved got into a black VW Golf and drove away from the scene.
“A short pursuit ensued before the car was stopped near to Silksworth Lake after attempting to ram a police car and a member of the public's vehicle. Thankfully nobody was injured.
“The 29-year-old driver of the vehicle was arrested for dangerous driving but he was also arrested in connection with an aggravated burglary that took place in the Durham area.
“A 22-year-old man was also arrested in connection with the burglary offence.”
Inquiries into both offences continue.
