A car jacker who crashed into five cars in a dramatic escape attempt down the M11 has been jailed.

At around 10.50am on February 18 Cormack Doolin drove past a police speed check at 99mph.

Roads policing officer PC Mike Bignell drove after the speeding Kia Sportage and signalled for it to stop, without success.

Doolin, 24, drove on, weaving in and out of lanes and streams of traffic, reaching 120mph over 11 miles before crashing into two vehicles by the junction 7 slip road.

PC Bignell stopped his car and ran to Doolin's vehicle.

The unemployed Hornchuch resident knocked the officer over and drove on, eventually smashing into four cars - one containing children- on the A414 in Church Langley.

He attempted to run but was tripped by member of the public Mark Solomon and arrested by PC Bignell, who had continued the pursuit despite suffering a hand injury.

The Kia Sportage was later found to have been stolen from an address in Heaton Avenue, Romford, overnight on Monday, February 5.

Investigating officer, DC Mel Keen, of Brentwood CID, said: “Doolin was determined to escape at any cost. He drove at dangerous speeds, collided with five vehicles and run over a police officer.

“His dangerous actions resulted in an innocent woman suffering broken ribs and a man having to undergo surgery for back pain.

“PC Bignell suffered soft tissue damage and despite being in pain, still bravely pursued the vehicle and arrested Doolin. I would like to thank him for his courage and determination.

“My praise and thanks also goes to Mr Solomon who tripped Doolin and has since been rewarded with £200. His actions have resulted in a dangerous individual being locked in prison for a number of years.”

Doolin was also sentenced after robbing a guard carrying an empty cash box in Brentwood High Street at 12.45pm on October 11, 2017.

The box was later found smashed in a car park in Park Road.

PC Bignell, DC Keen and Mr Solomon have all been nominated for commendations.