A 23-year-old man from Southwick was arrested last night (Monday, July 15) after a vehicle failed to stop for officers.

At about 8.40pm, officers were made aware of a Ford Focus travelling along Snowberry Lane, Melksham.

The vehicle is believed to have been involved in a number of thefts around the Melksham and Calne areas.

Officers followed the vehicle as it travelled from the direction of Calne towards Melksham and a short pursuit was authorised.

The vehicle was seen to drive the wrong side of the road at the Hampton Park roundabout and at excess speed before crashing on the canal bridge.

A man was detained at the scene by officers and was arrested on suspicion of theft of a vehicle, failing to stop for officers and dangerous driving.

He was taken to the Royal United Hospital in Bath as a precaution and then taken to custody in Melksham.

The vehicle was seized for further enquiries to be conducted.

PC Derek Buswell said: “The driving displayed by the driver during this short pursuit not only fell below the standard you would expect of a competent and considerate driver, but it was downright dangerous.

"Had there been any pedestrians on the bridge, which there often is, they would have been seriously injured. It is extremely fortunate that nobody was seriously injured as a result of the driver’s actions.”

The man remains in custody in Melksham for further questioning.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54190069186.