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This is the moment a suspected thief swiped an Amazon delivery van carrying £1,000 worth of parcels - before leading police on a terrifying 100mph chase and then crashing.

Officers pursued the stolen van, driven by an unnamed 25-year-old man, from Wigan in Greater Manchester, through to Bolton and eventually to Chorley in Lancashire, where it smashed into pedestrian barriers.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received reports of the stolen vehicle following a 999 call made on Wednesday at approximately 6.23pm. After locating the van within 15 minutes, the force began following it.

Officers attempted to stop the van - which was carrying £1,000 worth of goods - without pursuit, however, the driver made off at speed.

Across the next 40 minutes, the vehicle went over the speed limit three times - reaching speeds of 100mph, before injuring a cyclist and causing significant damage to multiple pieces of street furniture.

The suspect was eventually apprehended after the van mounted a pedestrian crossing and slammed into a stationary car. No serious injuries were reported.

He was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, failure to stop, driving under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of Class A and C drugs.

He has been bailed pending further inquiries.

A suspected thief swiped an Amazon delivery van carrying £1,000 worth of parcels on Wednesday

Officers pursued the stolen van from Wigan to Bolton and eventually to Chorley

The 25-year-old suspect was eventually apprehended after the van mounted a pedestrian crossing and slammed into a stationary car

The vehicle went over the speed limit three times - reaching speeds of 100mph, before injuring a cyclist and causing significant damage to multiple pieces of street furniture

Pc Nat Mannyng, from the transport unit at Greater Manchester Police, described the chase as an 'extremely dangerous incident'.

They said: 'This was an extremely dangerous incident which saw a vehicle reaching speeds of 100mph through residential streets where families, pedestrians and other road users were going about their daily lives.

'The driver showed a complete disregard for public safety and innocent members of the public were harmed as a result of his actions.

'Thankfully, there were only minor physical injuries but his behaviour could have resulted in a serious collision.

'Our officers are trained to continually assess the risks involved in any pursuit and the decision-making throughout this incident was focused on protecting the public and ensuring the situation was brought to a safe conclusion.

'We will continue to take robust action against those who choose to put lives at risk on our roads, and we hope this outcome sends a clear message that these offences will not be tolerated.'