A high speed car chase passed Borehamwood along the A1 on Monday as police pursued what they suspected were car thieves in a stolen car.

The chase began when Metropolitan Police officers were alerted to a five-series BMW driving erratically on a southbound section of the M1 at around 4.28pm.

A Met police helicopter joined officers on the ground in pursuit of the BMW until it reached the A1 at Stirling Corner, Borehamwood, where Hertfordshire traffic police took over the chase.

Police, having followed the vehicle off the A1 at junction ten and along the A507, arrested three people when it was abandoned at Stotfold village, in Bedfordshire. No-one was injured in the chase.

Hertfordshire police are appealing for witnesses to call 01923 472388.

Michael McInerney, 19, from St Albans, has been charged with dangerous driving and was due to appear before Stevenage magistrates yesterday.

Two 17-year-olds, a male from Enfield and a female from Watford, have been released on police bail while further enquiries are carried out.