A suspected burglar escaped helicopters and ‘specially trained' police officers after a police chase across two counties and along two motorways.

A helicopter from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and officers on the ground chased the suspect from Sussex into Walton-on-the-Hill yesterday afternoon.

Police in Sussex had received a report of a burglary at about 3pm after a man allegedly stole a light blue BMW.

The car travelled northbound on the M23 before joining the M25 – while it was chased by specially trained officers, Surrey Police stated.

The chase came to an end at 3.34pm in Hurst Drive, Walton-on-the-Hill. The suspect fled the vehicle and headed towards Chequers Lane, a force spokesperson added.

A witness on social media reported seeing “unmarked and armed (police) units” around nearby Dorking Road yesterday afternoon.

Surrey Police has since launched an appeal for witnesses to the chase, and has asked for witnesses who saw people leaving the car to come forward.

One man has been described as white, possibly in his late 20s, wearing a white shirt and white baseball cap. He was possibly accompanied by another man, the force added.

To offer information, contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting crime reference number P17187418, or report online at report.police.uk

To offer information anonymously, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.