A man from Chard is regretting running a red light after he ended up being arrested for six offences including possession of drugs and offensive weapon.

Officers saw the 32 year-old man run a red light at approximately 7pm on Thursday, July 23. The car went through the light causing other drivers to swerve out of the way.

Already having a prisoner in the car, officers then alerted other units to come and deal with driver.

When the driver saw police approaching he abandoned the car and ran off.

When they searched the car, officers found suspected stolen items and an offensive weapon.

After a short investigation, they also discovered the car had also been stolen.

During the evening, officers from Chard carried out numerous enquiries to try and identify the man including collecting footage from the dash cam of another motorist.

They quickly identified the suspect from CCTV footage.

Colleagues from Crewkerne and Somerton came to help with the investigation and the suspect was located at his home address during the night.

A further search of his flat led to officers discovering a quantity of drugs and further evidence to tie him to the earlier offences.

He was arrested on suspicion of disqualified driving, dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of drugs, possession of an offensive weapon and breach of an electronic curfew.

Superintendent Geoff Wessell, deputy commander for Somerset, said: “This was a really good bit of team work. The officers worked together from across the different areas and different shifts to very quickly investigate, identify and deal with the suspect.

“As a result of some swift work by the initial officers on the ground, we have arrested someone on suspicion of six serious offences, removed drugs from the street and a suspected dangerous driver from the roads.

“I would like to thank all the officers and staff involved for a good bit of work.”

If you have information about any criminal activity, please contact us via the website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk If you see someone driving dangerously, or a crime is in progress, please call 999 when it is safe to do so.