The scene in Dartmouth Park this evening (Tuesday)

A DRAMATIC car chase through the quiet streets of Dartmouth Park nearly ended in tragedy this evening (Tuesday) – when a vehicle with two people inside flipped over and came to halt on a pavement near a pub and a school.

The crash, which happened at around 5pm on Tuesday, saw a silver Renault driving at speed along Woodsome Road, a narrow back street near Parliament Hill Fields.

With an unmarked police car in pursuit, the car mounted the pavement, hitting parked cars and only stopping when it hit a lamp post and rolled over, onlookers said.

Neighbours had watched the drama unfolding from their windows.

An eye witness told the New Journal: “Another car turned into Woodsome Road – and it is too narrow for two cars to easily pass. The people in the silver car were stuck – so they drove on the pavement outside our house and then tried to get along it and down to Highgate Road and away. But they clipped a car and then hit a lamp post.”

It was claimed two people climbed out of the upturned car, which was left with its engine running and on its side, and ran towards Hampstead Heath.

The witness added: “The police set off after them and were calling out, asking people to stop them. But it looked like they were too quick and they disappeared up the Heath.”

Another witness told the New Journal they had been working from home when they heard the commotion, adding: “There was a massive crunch, the sound of plastic and metal. I looked out and could see the car coming to a halt.

“Two people scrambled out and took off.”

Staff at the Bull and Last pub were serving customers when they heard the crash.

One, who did not want to be named said: “There was an almighty bang and the car came to a halt right outside. Thankfully it didn’t hit the pub and no one was in the way. The blokes inside got out and legged it. It looked like they got away as the officers came back empty handed.”

The police have been contacted for comment and further details.