PERTH POLICE last night said they are trying to locate a “reckless” motorist who stole petrol and then drove the wrong way along the busy M90.

The driver managed to escape without paying for fuel at the BP garage in Dunkeld Road, Perth, earlier this week.

Police caught up with the blue Ford Fiesta at the Broxden roundabout but the driver then joined the M90 motorway, heading east towards the Dundee and Edinburgh slip roads.

He then pulled on to the hard shoulder and turned round, speeding back towards Broxden on the wrong side of the road.

No one was hurt during the incident and there was no collision with oncoming traffic.

The car was then dumped at Necessity Brae, and the man fled on foot.

Police sniffer dogs were brought to the scene but no trace of the man could be found.

Superintendent Iain Bell said, “It was totally reckless and shows a total disregard for road users.

“It is an area of road where you expect drivers to quite legitimately be travelling at high speed. Any collision at those speeds could have fatal consequences.”

The driver is described as being aged in his 20s, with fair or ginger hair. He was wearing jeans and a beige top with white stripes on the sleeves.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact police on 01738 621141.