A teenager is due in court today following a dramatic 30-mile police car chase.

An 18-year-old man was to appear in court in Falkirk and a 42-year-old man in Airdrie following an incident which saw the Police Scotland helicopter mobilised.

Police said the drama finally came to a halt late last night with the vehicle understood to have been followed by police cars from Cumbernauld to Falkirk.

Officers from Lanarkshire, Falkirk, and the specialist road traffic unit, are believed to have been involved in the operation which began at around 6pm.

The 18-year-old was due at Falkirk Sheriff Court today in connection with alleged theft and road traffic offences, and a 42-year-old man is due to appear before Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing up to eight police cars and the police helicopter in pursuit of a van as it headed through Cumbernauld at 10pm.

Others reported seeing the chase pass through Redding and along Glenfuir Road in Camelon.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said they were called out at 6pm in response to reports of a suspected stolen vehicle.

She said: “The vehicle was followed from the Cumbernauld area to the Falkirk area. Officers were assisted by the air support unit.”

The incident took place as police continued their nation-wide crackdown on vehicle crime.

Operation Quarterlight was launched in January.

More than 70 vehicles have been stolen each week in Scotland since November.