A van which officers suspected stolen led police on a 30 minute chase from East Lancashire into Greater Manchester.

Police attempted to stop the van in Rawtenstall but it sped off and when it failed to negotiate a junction in Littleborough, officers arrested the driver.

However, on further investigation, it transpired that the van wasn't in fact stolen, but the driver was drunk.

Speaking following the incident, which took place overnight on Saturday, a spokesperson for the police said: "Rossendale rural task force have been out again tonight pro-actively stopping vans which are at higher risk of being stolen.

"This van failed to stop for officers in Rawtenstall and led officers on a 30 minute pursuit into Greater Manchester where it failed to negotiate a junction in Littleborough.

"Greater Manchester officers assisted us and the driver has been arrested.

"Turns out the van wasn't stolen but the driver was drunk.

"He is currently detained for dangerous driving, failing to stop for police and drink driving."