WATCH as teenage driver narrowly misses pedestrians as he crashes into building in Peterborough city centre
A teenage motorist narrowly missed pedestrians as he lost control of his car and crashed into a building in Peterborough city centre.
Police say that after the crash, Mohammed Halani (19) ran from the scene through the Queensgate Shopping Centre before being found sitting in a restaurant by police.
Afterwards police said that just ‘milliseconds’ was the difference between at least two people being seriously injured.
A Cambridgeshire police spokesperson said: “Halani was driving an Audi S3 when he failed to stop for officers in Lincoln Road.
A police spokesperson said: “Instead, Halani sped off, ignoring keep left bollards and no entry signs as he drove dangerously in a busy area.
“Halani continued to drive dangerously, before losing control of the vehicle and crashing into a building in Westgate, causing two people to jump out of the way to avoid being hit."
Police say the number of pedestrians present meant pursuing officers had to reduce their speed to create a gap between them and the Audi.
The spokesperson said: “Halani then ran from the scene, through Queensgate shopping centre and attempted to hide in a restaurant in Cowgate.
“However, with the help of CCTV operators, officers found him sitting at a table in the restaurant and he was arrested.”
Nobody was injured in the collision, that was dramatically captured on CCTV footage at about 1pm on May 24.
Halani, of Audley Gate, Netherton, Peterborough, admitted failing to stop, dangerous driving and driving without insurance.
He was sentenced to a year in prison, suspended for two years at Peterborough Magistrates' Court on July 28.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, 15 days rehabilitation activity and he was disqualified from driving for two years.
Afterwards, PC Martyn Chapman said: “This was a shocking incident that could easily have been far worse.
“Halani narrowly missed multiple pedestrians when he collided with the building on what was a busy Sunday over a bank holiday weekend.
“A matter of milliseconds was the difference between at least two people being seriously injured – or worse. It is remarkable nobody was hurt.”