Four thousand cans of beer were in a van which officers chased through the Millfield area of the city.

In the van police found the cans, as well as 12 cases of bottled beer and 10 cases of spirits.

The operation follows an investigation called Operation Wine, which is trying to reduce the illegal sale of imported goods.

'Large quantities'

Police followed the van, which was so overloaded that it could not travel faster than 20 miles per hour.

It then hit a fence post and the driver ran off, abandoning his haul.

Acting Chief Inspector Peter Dent of Northumbria Police said he feared the alcohol was being brought in to sell to local youngsters.

He said: "We believe that alcohol is coming in in very large quantities and is then being distributed.

"We have had a high-profile campaign with off-licences, and now the kids are relying on getting drink from somewhere else."

The drink will now be handed over to Customs and Excise officials.