Man arrested following police pursuit in Swindon

A man was arrested following a police pursuit in Swindon earlier this week.

Officers initially attempted to stop a Volvo V70 on Cricklade Road at approximately 10.20am on Wednesday 23 August due to suspected illegal tints on the windows.

The vehicle failed to stop and made off at speed, driving at speeds in excess of 70 mph in a 30 mph limit on Ferndale Road, contravening multiple red traffic lights, and clipping the wing mirror of a stationary lorry. Other road users were forced to take evasive action to avoid head on collisions. 

The vehicle turned into a pub car park in Southbrook Street before the driver decamped.

The man, aged in his 20s from Swindon, was swiftly arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, failing to stop following a collision and possession of a class B drug.

He was taken to Gablecross custody for questioning and has since been released on conditional bail while further enquiries are conducted.

A/Insp Will Ayres said: “This pursuit took place in the middle of the morning during school holidays when the roads were busy.

“The manner of driving was totally unacceptable and it was extremely fortunate that nobody was seriously injured, or worse, killed.

“When the pursuit came to an end, we found four children had been in the back of the vehicle at the time, including two under the age of two years old.  

“Officers had been in Swindon carrying out patrols targeting drivers committing any of the fatal five offences in a bid to keep our roads safe and to prevent serious collisions when this incident took place.

“I am pleased this pursuit came to an end quickly with no injuries suffered, and one individual arrested.

"This behaviour on our roads is completely unacceptable and we are committed to targeting drivers who fail to abide by the law."

If you witnessed the pursuit from Cricklade Road down to Southbrook Street on Wednesday morning and have dash cam footage, please call 101 and quote 54230088991.