“They did everything in their power to avoid apprehension, through putting themselves in danger and obviously the police and other road users,” Inspector Sheaff said at a media conference.

At one stage when police terminated pursuit to the safety reasons, the Holden Commodore allegedly stolen in Victoria was detected at 147km/h in an 80km/h zone.

The 24-year-old man and 25-year-old woman also allegedly attempted to steal a Mazda utility vehicle.

Inspector Sheaff said two men, 64 and 75 years old, in that vehicle were “put in a great deal of fear and were threatened by the [24-year-old] man”.

“They handled the matter surprisingly well,” Inspector Sheaff said.

“They were able to continue their journey southbound and were spoken to by Albury police.

“Their welfare will be followed up with and statements taken.”

Inspector Sheaff said investigations continue into a number of other carjackings in the Albury region and in Victoria that police allege are “quite possibly linked to the same offenders involved”.

Yesterday, police resources – which included highway patrol cars, police air wing and a dog squad unit – were deployed from both the Riverina and Murray River districts.

Earlier: Two people have been charged after allegedly stealing one car and trying to take another by force and leading police on several pursuits across the Riverina on Tuesday.

According to police, a Holden Commodore was stolen from Victoria when the driver was forced out of the vehicle.

The sedan was noticed later that day in NSW, travelling along the Olympic Highway just south of The Rock, shortly before 1pm.

Police said the Commodore was driven directly at the police car, causing the officer behind the wheel to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

Officers then followed the Commodore north on the highway for another 20 kilometres, through The Rock and Uranquinty, before it stopped on the wrong side of the road 11km south of Wagga.

“As officers approached, a woman and man were seen allegedly attempting to steal a Mazda BT50 utility being driven by a man and forced off the road by the Commodore,” NSW Police.

Two people – a 24-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman – were arrested at the scene and taken to Wagga police station.

They have both been charged with a string of offences and are due to face Wagga Local Court on Wednesday.

The woman is facing charges of receiving stolen property outside NSW, not stop during police pursuit, driving dangerously, driving recklessly/furiously in a speed or manner dangerous, using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, aggravated vehicle theft with person in it in company, common assault and driving while disqualified.

The man will answer charges of aggravated vehicle theft with person in it in company, two counts of domestic stalking or intimidation, traveling in a stolen car and also on an outstanding warrant.

Both were refused bail.

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