A fast car police chase which started in St Albans led to a dangerous driver racing the wrong way down a motorway without MOT or insurance.

On April 2 at about 2.50am, Herts Police tried to pull over a white Citroen Berlingo on Grove Mill Lane, Rickmansworth, because they realised problems with its paperwork.

When the driver did not stop, the officers pursued but briefly lost the car on the A414 where it merges with the M1 at Hemel Hempstead’s junction 8.

However, the chase was recovered on the M1 - until the driver made a sudden a handbrake turn and set off southbound along the northbound carriageway.

It was too dangerous for the police to continue following, but CCTV has picked up the car leaving the M1 at junction five for Watford.

The whole hazardous sequence of events was captured on a body camera worn by one of the police officers.

Investigating Sgt James Bessant, said: “This is an example of extremely dangerous driving and the driver’s reckless actions put members of the public at unnecessary risk.

“Thankfully no one was injured as a result of the incident but I am very keen to trace the driver of this van as soon as possible.”

He added: “I am also keen to speak to any motorists who witnessed a van matching the description driving in a dangerous manner, or anyone who has dash cam footage of the incident.” Anyone with information should call the police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.