Green’s Dictionary of Slang

to rush away, to leave at speed.

1836–7		Dickens Pickwick Papers (1999) 76: He tore off with the four-wheeled chaise behind him.
1908		L. Doyle Ballygullion 39: He got out an’ tore off up to my house like a ragin’ lunatic.
1953		A. Buckeridge Jennings’ Diary 153: They tore off along the landing at full speed.
1959		G. Slatter Gun in My Hand 43: I spose you’re tearin off to see some sheila.
1978		L. Kramer Faggots 262: [He] plopped the piece of Hermès paper into his Grampa’s hand and then tore off like hell.