LIVE: Stolen car smashes into a wall amid police pursuit as officers close off road - latest updates

A road in Trafford is cordoned off this morning after a 'stolen' car smashed into a wall following a police chase.

Upper Chorlton Road in the Firswood area is currently closed off in both directions. According to traffic alert service Inrix, it is shut between Seymour Grove to Wellington Crescent.

Police have been on the scene since the early hours of this morning. Traffic, including a Stagecoach bus route, is being diverted away from the area.

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A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said officers initially responded to reports of a car being stolen in south Manchester. A 'brief' chase then took place before the car smashed into a wall on Upper Chorlton Street.

A man - aged in his 30s - was arrested. In a statement, the force spokesperson said: "At around 2am this morning (Monday 16 September 2024) we were called to reports of a vehicle being stolen in south Manchester.

"The car made off from police patrols and after a brief pursuit collided with a wall on Upper Chorlton Street. A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle and dangerous driving.

"He remains in police custody for questioning. No injuries have been recorded and in line with normal procedure, referrals have been made to GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate."

Stagecoach posted on X this morning: "Route 86. We have a diversion in place via Seymour Grove and Kings Road.

"This is due to a Police incident on Upper Chorlton Road. Sorry if this is affecting your journey with us today."