Police have released footage of an “arrogant” street racer, who put other road users at risk “for a laugh” as he sped around roads in Accrington and Blackburn.

Umar Gul, 24, was jailed following a hearing at Preston Crown Court earlier this month, for five counts of dangerous driving.

The court heard how Gul’s racing antics were a “misguided attempt to become an influencer of some sort”, and Judge Darren Preston said he was “attempting to influence others to show them how big and clever you were.”

The offences took place between May 5 and September 20, 2020 on Brown Street, Accrington; Higher Audley Street and Copy Nook, Blackburn; Accrington Road, Blackburn; Brownhill Drive, Blackburn; and the A56 southbound near Rising Bridge.

READ MORE: Accrington street racer endangered others 'for a laugh'

Now, following his conviction, police have released footage of his shocking and dangerous driving, which was compiled by the force's Vehicle Data Investigation Unit.

The evidence against Gul includes videos of him driving dangerously and at excess speeds in cars like a Nissan GTR and a BMW M135i.

Gul, of Crossland Street, Accrington was jailed for 16 months for his reckless behaviour, and will have to complete an extended retest on his release if he ever wants to get behind the wheel of a car again. 

PC Simon Grounds, of the Road Crime Team, said: ”Umar Gul put both himself and others at risk through his dangerous driving and I welcome this custodial sentence.

"As well as proactively targeting dangerous driving on our roads we welcome reports from members of the public through our Operation Snap and, as this case shows, we will act on those reports and look to put people before the courts.”