Police were forced to call off a pursuit on the motorway after it became too dangerous to continue.

Officers tried to pull over a white Mini Cooper northbound near Watford at around 12.40pm on Sunday January 19.

The Mini had been linked to a reported shoplifting that had taken place in Watford earlier in the day.

The vehicle failed to stop for police and began speeding up the M1 towards St Albans.

Hertfordshire Constabulary says the chase was called off at junction 9 for Redbourn in the interest of public safety.

PC Erik Gale, who is investigating, said: "As with any motorway during the day, there were a lot of other motorists travelling on the northbound carriageway at the time of the pursuit. We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed a white Mini Cooper being driven at high speed.

"We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who was travelling on the M1 at the time of the incident and has dash cam footage to share with us."

If you have dash cam footage or any other information about the incident and have not yet spoken to police, email erik.gale@herts.pnn.police.uk quoting crime reference 41/5864/20.

You can also call 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111.