A man has appeared in court accused of stealing a car in Claygate that was involved in a pursuit with police on the A3.

Police were called to Common Road, Claygate, on Thursday, July 25, shortly before 4pm when a silver Land Rover Defender was reported stolen from a house.

The stolen car was seen travelling southbound on the A3 towards Guildford and officers from Surrey Police, including roads policing unit and automatic number plate recognition units, were given authority to pursue the vehicle.

The stolen car collided with several vehicles before stopping on the A3 slip road near Guildford Cathedral.

Paul Michael Smithers, 28, from Guildford has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving with no insurance.

He appeared at North Surrey Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, July 27, and has been remanded in custody.

Mr Smithers will appear at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, August 16.