CAR thieves sped through residential streets in York at up to 60mph, driving on the wrong side of the road and through red lights as they were pursued by police early today.

At one stage, officers thought the car they were pursuing had caught fire, but it was found to be clouds of smoke being given off by its overheated tyres.

The drama began at about 3.30am when a member of the public called police after spotting some men attempting to steal a red Vauxhall Astra, which was parked in Askham Lane, Acomb.

While the caller was on the phone to the police, the group suddenly took off towards Cornlands Road in a white K-registered Rover car.

Just two minutes later officers spotted the car in Askham Lane but the driver refused to pull over.

At speeds of up to 60mph the car hurtled along Askham Lane, which has a 30mph limit, and switched on to the wrong side of the carriageway on Front Street. The vehicle then headed along Wetherby Road, where it went round the wrong side of a roundabout.

The car was later seen going through red traffic lights towards Clifton Bridge.

The pursuit continued along Clifton Green and Water Lane, where the car crossed on to the wrong side of the road several times.

The vehicle cut into an alleyway near to Clifton Green Primary School and officers lost sight of it momentarily.

It was then found abandoned on the corner of Horner Street and Wilberforce Avenue.

Just before 4am two men were spotted running in Burton Green.

Police said three men were arrested in the area a short time later.

A police car was damaged during the pursuit.

Updated: 16:11 Monday, January 13, 2003