Police have released video footage of a man who stole a taxi outside Gatwick Airport and engaged in a high-speed chase, reaching speeds of over 130mph. Mohammed Ahmed stole a Mercedes after being denied a ride by another taxi driver outside the airport’s south terminal. The pursuit lasted for several miles, with Ahmed continuing to drive even after losing a tire.
During the chase, Ahmed drove into cordoned-off areas of roadworks and continued to drive at speeds exceeding 100mph. The National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter tracked him to Walsall, over 150 miles away from Gatwick, where he was eventually apprehended and arrested.
Describing the incident, a Sussex Police spokesman stated that Ahmed took the vehicle when the owner momentarily left it to collect a fare. He later discarded identification documents at the victim’s address before speeding away. Officers from Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit attempted to stop Ahmed on the M23 but were unable to safely do so due to his dangerous driving.
The police helicopter tracked Ahmed’s vehicle from the M25 to the M40, M42, and M6. Even on the A34, he maintained a speed of 70mph in a 30mph zone, driving in the wrong direction around roundabouts, running red lights, and driving on the wrong side of the road.
Ahmed managed to escape on foot but was eventually arrested. Detective Inspector Darren Lillywhite commended the efforts of the police in apprehending Ahmed, stating that his reckless driving posed a significant risk to other road users and officers. Ahmed was given a 14-month suspended prison sentence and an 18-month driving ban for aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving. He was also ordered to complete unpaid work, rehabilitation activity sessions, and pay compensation to the taxi driver, as well as court costs and a victim surcharge.