A 39-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving, taking a vehicle without consent, failing to stop for police, driving under the influence of drugs and possession of a Class A drug.

He was questioned by officers at Wymondham Police Investigation Centre following the chase on Monday and has been released on bail while enquiries continue until Monday 28 September.

During the incident three police cars were damaged; a Ford Focus and Volvo have been written off while a BMW X5 suffered minor damage and will be repaired.

The cost of the damage is estimated to be more than £50,000.

The truck was taken from a site in Spixworth and officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the vehicle being driven from here to Cringleford.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Andy Vinsen, from Norwich CID, said: “We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident and who hasn’t already spoken with officers.

“In particular, we want to trace two motorists who were driving in the wooded area between Methwold and Mundford and at about 1.45pm on Monday who witnessed the damage of a BMW X5 marked police car.

“These were a silver Ford Fiesta which was being driven by an elderly woman and a metallic blue Ford Focus driven by a middle-aged woman.”