Two men were this afternoon being questioned by police after a 100mph car chase in and around York.

Other motorists had to swerve to avoid being hit as the car, followed at a distance by police, raced through the city streets.

A number of vehicles were damaged during the pursuit, which started at the McArthurGlen designer village at Naburn and ended in Clifton.

Members of the public were today praised for their help in tracking down two men who bailed out of their car as police closed in.

The chase was triggered when a retired York policeman spotted two men acting suspiciously in the car park of the shopping mall at about 2pm yesterday afternoon.

Officers were sent to the scene and attempted to stop the men's silver and blue Rover 820 as they tried to leave the car park.

The Rover sped away, then mounted a kerb to avoid another police car stationed on the A19, before driving off westbound on the A64 at speeds in excess of 100mph.

The car left the dual carriageway at Tadcaster Road, went over the roundabout near Tesco at 60mph, and tore off down Chaloners Road at more than 70mph.

A Ford Escort parked at the side of the road was hit as the Rover sped past.

The Rover then hit a bollard in Gale Lane and crashed through a wooden fence in Thanet Road.

The pursuit, often at more than twice the speed limit and over speed bumps in built-up residential areas, wound its way along Danesfort Avenue, Stuart Road, Hamilton Drive and Holgate Road, reaching 80mph along Poppleton Road.

Slow-moving and stationary cars were overtaken as the Rover flew along Water End before running a red light on to the A19.

The chase continued around Rawcliffe until the car's occupants jumped out on waste ground at the end of Lilbourne Drive.

The car crashed into metal railings and the men made off on foot into the grounds of St Joseph's Church.

A thorough search of the area was conducted and two men were later arrested.

Sergeant Dave Willey, of York police, said: "Fortunately, because of the time of year, there was not much traffic on the roads during the pursuit - public safety is always uppermost during these incidents."

Sgt Willey praised the retired police officer for reporting the suspicious activities of the men in the car park, and Rawcliffe residents for their help in the search.

* Two men, one in his late teens and another in his early 20s, were today helping police with their inquiries.

david.wiles@ycp.co.uk