Three people have been arrested after trying to evade police driving a stolen car while in possession of cannabis.

The people were arrested in connection with suspected cross border drugs offences between Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

Around 2pm yesterday (Tuesday, October 12) officers became aware of a suspected stolen vehicle travelling on the M66.

The car, a red Ford Fiesta, had been reported as being stolen from an address in Rochdale earlier this month.

Patrols attended the area and attempted to use a ‘stinger’ device to deflate the Ford’s tyres. The driver avoided the stinger, making off onto the M65 before travelling southbound on the A56.

The vehicle was later stopped in Burnley Road, Hapton, without incident and three people detained and arrested. A quantity of cannabis was found inside the car.

Leon Murphy, 29, of London Road, Stockport, has been charged with possessing a controlled drug of Class B – Cannabis and bailed to appear at Burnley Magistrates’ Court on November 2.

An 18-year-old man from Manchester was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, drug driving and possession of a Class B or C drug. He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

An 18-year-old woman from Bury was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a Class B or C drug. She has been released no further action.