A MAN has been arrested after a dramatic 17-mile police chase in the Malmesbury area last night.

Shortly after 8.30pm yesterday (January 26), a Wiltshire police officer was driving along the A420 when he became aware of a Range Rover Evoque in front of him travelling in excess of the speed limit.

The officer attempted to pull up alongside the vehicle, but the Evoque driver failed to stop and made off, continuing at speed through busy areas and out onto Sherston Road in Malmesbury.

The driver then overtook a member of the public and almost caused a head on collision near the A433 junction.

A stinger was successfully deployed by colleagues from Gloucestershire Constabulary and the car came to a stop outside Cotswold Airport in Kemble. 

A man in his 30s from Gloucestershire was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, drug driving, driving otherwise in accordance with a licence, no insurance and breach of police bail.

He is currently in custody in Melksham for further questioning.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: The car was stopped following a 20 minute pursuit outside Cotswold Airport by using a stinger The car was stopped following a 20 minute pursuit outside Cotswold Airport by using a stinger (Image: Newsquest, Google Maps)

Inspector Will Ayres, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: “This was excellent teamwork by officers from Wiltshire and Gloucester working together to ensure this pursuit was brought to a safe conclusion.

"This pursuit lasted for just over 20 minutes so it is extremely fortunate that no other road users were injured as a result.”

Anyone with dash cam footage of the incident should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54230009262.