The 'routine' police stop that saw driver abandon van in middle of A55 and cops make discovery

When police went to make what they thought would be a routine stop on the A55 they "didn't realise what was about to unfold". The traffic officers looked to stop a van on the expressway near St Asaph on Monday morning after it was flagged as having no insurance.

The driver bolted from the van and left the vehicle in a lane of the A55. Officers then found a suspected stolen jet ski in the back of the van.

The drama didn't end there. Other officers joined the search and then found a second van with five men around it and another suspected stolen jet ski inside.

READ MORE: Motorist branded 'moron' in aggressive note on car in Conwy resort - but people spot mistake

READ MORE: Testing to start at North Wales beach that has become nation's latest official bathing site

The man ran from the scene and officers gave chase. They ended up arresting three men. A burglary was later reported from Anglesey - where two jet skis had been stolen.

North Wales Police said: "Early this morning (Monday) one of our officers tried to conduct a routine stop on a van on the A55 at St Asaph which was showing no insurance. He didn't realise what was about to unfold.

"Unfortunately the van driver didn't want to hang around to speak to our friendly officer and made off after leaving the van in a live lane. A quick look in the van and officers found a suspected stolen jet ski.

"Colleagues from the armed alliance, HGC Dinbych Arfordirol ac Abergele / NWP Denbighshire Coastal and Abergele and HGC Conwy a Dinbych Wledig / NWP Conwy & Denbigh Rural came to assist with an area search which led to the finding of a second van with five males around and another suspected stolen jet ski on board.

"After some quick work, and cross country running officers were able to detain and arrest three of the five males. As people then began to wake up, a burglary was reported on Anglesey where jet skis have been stolen.

"So a 'routine stop' led to two vehicles recovered, two stolen jet skis recovered and three suspects in custody. What a team effort."

Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community

See what's happening in your area: