Toyota Landcruiser alleged to be stolen bursts into flames on M1 during Gold Coast police pursuit

A pair of alleged car thieves have been named in court. See the wild footage and what went down in court here.

Two men accused of driving stolen cars in a fiery police pursuit on the M1 have been identified for the first time.

Jack William Atkins, 31, and Jaydon Alec Taylor, 26, both had their matters mentioned in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Police have released Polair vision of an alleged stolen 1991 white Toyota Landcruiser which was tracked throughout the northern end of the Gold Coast.

Atkins is charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a vehicle while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, entering a dwelling with intent, stealing, receiving tainted property, disqualified driving, and unlawfully possessing an item.

Taylor faces one charge of unlawful use of a motor vehicle in relation to the alleged incident.

The Landrcuiser on fire on the M1.

It will be alleged Atkins, from Coolangatta, was driving a 1991 white Toyota Landcruiser that was being tracked by officers and the POLAIR helicopter on the northern end of the Gold Coast just before 9pm on Monday.

Police used a tyre deflation device on Nerang Broadbeach Rd and the 4WD came to a stop on the Pacific Motorway southbound at Carrara, near exit 73, “after the tyres caught fire”.

The vehicle was completely gutted by the blaze, but no one was injured, according to police.

It’s alleged the Toyota was stolen from a Carrara address earlier in the day.

Police have released Polair vision of an alleged stolen 1991 white Toyota Landcruiser which was tracked throughout the northern end of the Gold Coast.

Police allege two more vehicles were travelling with the Toyota, including a 2014 silver Audi A3 hatchback stolen from a Reedy Creek address on October 24.

Officers tracked the Audi to an address on Santa Cruz Blvd in Clear Island Waters and the alleged driver, Mr Taylor, was arrested about 11pm.

Both Mr Atkins and Mr Taylor were denied police bail after their arrest.

POLAIR on the move. Picture: Richard Walker

Neither man appeared in person when their matters were mentioned in the Southport court on Tuesday.

Mr Taylor was represented by law clerk Jesse Coplick of Gatenby Criminal Lawyers, who said her client was on parole at the time of the alleged offences and was waiting for a submission from the Parole Board.

She did not confirm whether Mr Taylor would make an application for bail when his matter is next mentioned on Wednesday, November 2.

Mr Atkins did not apply for bail and his case was adjourned to November 22.

Police investigations were ongoing on Tuesday morning.

Know more? Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Originally published as Toyota Landcruiser alleged to be stolen bursts into flames on M1 during Gold Coast police pursuit