A DRAMATIC police pursuit through Street and Somerton ended in the recovery of valuable stolen property.

The drama unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, May 29, after one Avon & Somerset Police officer – PC Howard – noticed the number plates on a white Peugeot Boxer van did not match those on a trailer it was pulling.

Fearing the trailer may have been stolen, the officer called for back-up and PC Carter, a trained pursuit driver on the outskirts of Street, caught up with the van which then came to a stop.

The van was spotted in Street and the police pursuit began… Pictures: Avon & Somerset Police

“The offender subsequently reversed and rammed the van into the officer’s marked vehicle causing front end damage,” a spokesperson said. “The officer was fortunately able to continue the pursuit around Street.

“The driver travelled towards Somerton and narrowly avoided a collision with two traffic cars making their way to assist.

“It was then pursued into Somerton by PC Carter and the traffic units where the occupant then crashed into a wall and fled from the vehicle and, unfortunately, made off into the darkness.

“Enquiries to identify the driver continue.”

The van crashed into a wall in Somerton before the driver fled. Pictures: Avon & Somerset Police

However, despite the suspect fleeing, a range of tools and other items were returned to their rightful owners.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact police on 101, quoting reference 5225149085, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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A number of stolen items were recovered and returned to their rightful owners. Pictures: Avon & Somerset Police

A police car was damaged during the incident. Pictures: Avon & Somerset Police