RECKLESS suspected criminals abandoned a lorry whilst it was still moving along the middle lane of the A1 in North Yorkshire.

Police officers on patrol in the early hours noticed a Mercedes-Benz Axor HGV which was travelling along the A1(M) north of Leeming Bar at about 1.20am on Friday, July 3. They decided to check it and signalled it to stop but it failed to comply.

Less than a minute later, five people dressed in black jumped from the HGV while it was still moving in the middle lane of the motorway. It then veered left, mounting the grass verge, before coming to a stop.

The suspects ran off across the road into fields towards Little Fencote and a search commenced.

Officers from the Road Policing Team were joined by a police dog handing team and a police helicopter, despite an extensive search, the five people proved elusive and were not located..

The abandoned HGV has been recovered, for forensic examination. Enquiries are ongoing into the incident, which is believed to have disrupted some form of criminal activity.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “Jumping from a moving lorry and letting it crash off the motorway was an extremely reckless act that could have had very serious consequences.

“Although no suspects have been located at this time, it’s highly likely that our response has disrupted criminal activity overnight. Enquiries are ongoing to identify those responsible.”