A mobility scooter driver managed to give police the slip following an 8mph chase along a busy dual carriageway.

Dozens of concerned motorists dialled 999 after spotting the man slowly travelling along the A14 in Northamptonshire at around midday on Sunday (15/12).

Mobile phone footage shows how the rider forced other drivers to take evasive action as he ambled along the major commuter route for at least two miles.

But officers who were called to the scene were unable to catch their suspect after he did a U-turn and escaped in the opposite direction, against the flow of traffic.

Unable to follow for "safety reasons", the rider then "made-off" before the police could catch-up with him and they were forced to abort the chase empty-handed."

Northamptonshire Police has urged anyone with information or video footage to contact the force and said his actions had 'risked the safety of everyone'.

A police spokesperson said: "Shortly before 12.10pm on Sunday, December 15, the force received multiple reports about a man on a mobility scooter travelling in the live lanes of the A14 eastbound, having entered the A14 from junction 6. "

"Officers attended, with the man exiting the A14 at junction 7, but he refused to stop or engage with them."

"The man then went back against the flow of traffic to avoid the officers – they obviously weren't able to do the same and unfortunately he then made off before they were able to get to him, with an area search proving negative."

"The incident hasn't been crimed, but anyone with information or video about it is welcome to submit it by calling 101 or going online at www.northants.police.uk/RO, quoting incident number 231 of December 15."

"Behaviour like this risks the safety of everyone. If you witness someone doing this, please call 999 immediately."

The man was spotted travelling between Rothwell and Kettering between Junction 4 and Junction 7

towards the direction of McDonalds.

Despite drivers hooting and shouting for him to get off the road, he continued heading towards Kettering, causing lengthy tailbacks on the eastbound carriageway.

While there is no legal prohibition of Class-3 mobility scooters on dual carriageways, there must be an amber flashing light mounted on the vehicle and their use on roads with a speed limit of above 50mph is strongly discouraged.