A man was tasered after threatening police when he was stopped following a pursuit on the M4 last night.

The man from Cwmbran in south Wales is currently in custody in Swindon.

At around 9pm, officers were patrolling the motorway in an unmarked vehicle between junction 17 and 16 when they were undertaken by a vehicle travelling at speed.

Officers illuminated their blue lights and sirens and indicated to the vehicle to pull over but the driver continued at speed and made no apparent attempt to stop.

The vehicle – a Mercedes Sport - exited the motorway at junction 16 where it eventually came to a stop on Spittleborough Roundabout.

Officers attempted to get the driver out of the vehicle but were unsuccessful.

The driver reversed and again made off at speed along Great Western Way colliding with a curb before driving towards Blagrove roundabout and then back onto the M4 westbound where it was eventually stopped by three police vehicles.

A man got out of the vehicle and became threatening towards officers and as a result, Taser was used.

A man in his 40s from Cwmbran was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop and dangerous driving and is now in custody in Gablecross for further questioning.

Insp Steve Love said: “This was a good piece of policing work by officers who were able to eventually bring this incident to a stop without any other road users being injured.

“The manner of driving and behaviour of the driver was unacceptable and could have caused serious injury or worse to other drivers.

“This case also shows that our officers are continuing to patrol roads across the county to ensure our communities are safe.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54200030355.