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Teenager charged after stinger used to stop speeding Audi after alleged attempts to ram police car near Tonbridge

16:30, 14 February 2023

updated: 12:04, 15 February 2023

An Audi driver is alleged to have attempted to ram a police car before speeding off at nearly 100mph.

Officers used a stinger device to deflate the tyres of a black car following a lengthy pursuit which had started in East Peckham, Tonbridge.

Quincewood Gardens, Tonbridge. Picture: Google Maps
Quincewood Gardens, Tonbridge. Picture: Google Maps

The car had initially been seen by police at around 10.50pm on Sunday driving at excessive speeds.

It was then followed by an unmarked patrol car, which flashed its blue lights and sounded its siren.

The driver reportedly failed to stop when requested to do so and was allegedly spotted driving at speeds in excess of 90mph in residential areas and on the wrong side of the road.

It is further alleged the vehicle was used in attempts to reverse into the police car.

The pursuit was assisted by a police helicopter and the stinger device was used at a location near Hadlow Road.

Shortly before midnight the vehicle eventually came to a stop in Quincewood Gardens, Tonbridge, where the driver is alleged to have fled on foot and assaulted a police officer before being detained in a nearby field.

Akeem Thorla-Bangura, 19, was taken into custody and later charged with dangerous driving, assault of an emergency worker, failing to stop for police when requested to do so and driving without insurance or a licence.

The teenager, of Headcorn Road, Staplehurst, was further charged with possessing cocaine and with criminal damage, in connection with an alleged incident in a police cell.

He was remanded to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (February 14) and is now due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on March 14.

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