[24 NOV 00] CRIMES, FIRES & ACCIDENTS
Hot Pursuit Follows Screwdriver Attack

Five youths are in police custody today following a motorway chase which started after a woman was hit on the head with a screwdriver in an attempted robbery.

The woman was attacked in Hathaway Stores in Alcester Road, Stratford at 2.50pm after five youths went into the shop.

She was hit on the head with a screwdriver but the gang fled with out taking any money.

Police were called and gave chase to the gang as they drove away from the town. They went down the A46 and along the M40 before stopping their Nissan Sunny between junction 14 and 15 at 3.09pm.

All five are from Northamptonshire and are aged 17. They are in custody at Leamington police station awaiting interview in connection with the attempted robber and a street theft in Pandora Road, Coventry.