Driver takes police on wild pursuit through Adelaide backstreets

A driver and passenger remain on the run after leading police on a wild pursuit through Adelaide's western suburbs.

The pursuit started when a patrol tried to pull over a stolen ute on Rankine Road in Mile End about 2.15am.

The driver tried to speed off, racing ahead of police through the backstreets.

The chase only came to an end when the suspects took a wrong turn into dead-end Spencer Street at Cowandilla.

The driver collided with the police car as he attempted to turn back and then dumped the vehicle.

The ute was damaged and leaking petrol.

Police searched nearby streets as the helicopter helped from above, but the suspects couldn't be found.

"It was just really loud, we could hear revving, the screeching of tyres," witness Emma Burckhardt said.

Residents are disgusted a driver would risk the lives and safety of other road users.

"They're idiots," Ms Burckhardt said.

"Anything could happen, so it's scary."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.