Two drivers reached speeds in excess of 130mph as they raced each other on a major road.

Eris Shala and Ali Marzouq were seen racing each other on the northbound carriageway on the A23 past Handcross.

But PC Mark Fox and PC Claire Harrison from the dogs unit managed to stop both vehicles while on patrol in an unmarked police car.

PC Fox and PC Harrison were crewed together in a patrol car and located the two vehicles which were seen side by side at high speed.

Shala, 22, of Havestock Road, Camden, drove a BMW while Marzouq, 23, of The Meadow Way, Harrow, drove a Toyota Supra during the incident on April 28.

At a hearing at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 10, Shala was disqualified from driving for 18 months and ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work. He must complete five Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) sessions and pay £375 court cost and a £114 surcharge.

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Marzouq was also disqualified from driving for 18 months and was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and 20 RAR sessions. He must also pay £375 court costs and a £114 surcharge.

Superintendent Rachel Glenton, head of roads policing for Sussex Police, said: “This was a shocking example of dangerous driving.

 “The officers in the unmarked patrol car reached 130mph and were not able to catch up with them while they raced on the three-lane carriageway.

“Fortunately, the officers were able to stop both vehicles before they reached roadworks which removed two lanes on the carriageway.

“The defendants’ reckless driving put their own safety and the safety of other road users at risk. We know that one in three collisions in Sussex are caused as a result of speeding motorists.

“We are pleased that two dangerous drivers have been taken off our roads.”

Sergeant Matt Songhurst from the dogs unit said: “This case demonstrated the professionalism of our officers, who are not only highly-trained dog handlers, but also ready to assist colleagues across the force.”