'Appalling' police chase across Sydney ends in crash

The chase was sparked on Thursday when officers detected a suspected stolen vehicle travelling on the Hume Highway in Prestons, south-west of Liverpool, about 9.30am.

When the Hyundai Sonata sedan failed to stop as directed, police initiated a pursuit.

The vehicle led police onto the M5 motorway at Casula, crashing into the back of a truck before taking off again.

The chase continued through the streets of Liverpool and Milperra where it was terminated by officers due to safety reasons.

A police helicopter was called in to track the vehicle as it continued to traverse the south-west and western suburbs of Sydney.

Police tracked the vehicle to North Rocks, north of Parramatta, where it crashed into a pole on North Rocks Road about 11am.

Witnesses described watching police cars speeding through the suburbs before the pursuit ended with an ear-splitting crash heard several blocks away.

Officers descended on the accident scene and the 39-year-old male driver and 37-year-old female passenger were arrested.

Superintendent Adam White said the length of the pursuit was unusual, and police were horrified over the driving of the suspects.

"It was clear the driver and his passenger had no concern whatsoever for other motorists and road users," he told reporters.

"Their manner of driving was appalling and it was just lucky that no one was injured."

Supt White said police were investigating property crimes and were interested in talking to the woman in the car when the pursuit began.

The arrested pair are assisting police with their inquiries.

Supt White said the man has at least two outstanding warrants over robbery and property offences, while the woman is sought over a suspected break and enter offence.

He said weapons were seized during a search of the car, with police also finding a number of items of interest.

Australian Associated Press