A GANG tried to torch the Merseyside Police helicopter, sparking a 16-mile, high-speed chase through Liverpool.

The window of the £2.9m Eurocopter was smashed and petrol poured inside.

The pursuit which followed left one police officer injured, a patrol car in flames and the Birkenhead tunnel closed.

The attack at RAF Woodvale, in Formby, means the helicopter is grounded.

Air cover is being provided by another force while it is repaired, but officers hope it will be back in action by the end of the week.

The aircraft was attacked just before 10.30pm on Friday.

A Mitsubishi Shogun, believed to have been used by the gang, was later found burned out in Moore Lane, Altcar.

A silver Audi A4 with blacked-out windows was also seen travelling at high speed along the Formby bypass with a number of people on board.

The car was driven into the Birkenhead tunnel and abandoned.

At the same time, a black Audi S8 left the tunnel at speed heading toward Liverpool city centre. The car was followed by officers into Upper Parliament Street, in Toxteth.

The Audi crashed into a police vehicle in nearby Upper Hampton Street.

The police vehicle caught fire and an officer suffered slight injuries.

Three men, aged 24, 25 and 26, were arrested at the scene.

They were quizzed and released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The Birkenhead tunnel was closed while the abandoned Audi was removed.

It was re-opened at 2pm on Saturday.