Melksham man arrested following pursuit

A MELKSHAM man was arrested on suspicion of multiple offences following a pursuit which resulted in a collision in Maiden Bradley last week. 

“Shortly before midday on Tuesday 17th May,” reports police, “officers spotted a suspected stolen Audi A3 being driven on cloned plates from Enfield on the A36 near Warminster. 

“When officers attempted to stop the vehicle on the A361, the car failed to stop and a pursuit was authorised. The vehicle continued at excess speed, with several near misses, before colliding with two vehicles in Maiden Bradley. 

“The driver fled the scene on foot and was located nearby in the rear of a property. 

“A man in his 20s from Melksham was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, drug driving, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, failing to stop for police, and theft of a motor vehicle. He was taken to custody for questioning and has been released while further enquiries continue in relation to these offences. 

“He will appear at Swindon Magistrates Court today in relation to failing to comply with a court order unrelated to this incident.” 

Sgt Will Ayres said, “It is extremely fortunate that nobody was injured when the Audi collided with two vehicles in Maiden Bradley yesterday (17th May) – the standard of driving during the pursuit was extremely dangerous. The vehicle was driven at excess speed, with several drivers having to take evading action to avoid a collision. 

“This arrest was a result of excellent team work by Roads Policing Officers, Armed Response Officers who were in the location at the time, and the police helicopter which assisted in searches of the ground from above.” 

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54220050884.