THE driver of a car which ended up in the River Stour in the early hours of Sunday morning (March 5) escaped the incident without injury.

At around 2.20am, Dorset Police officers reported seeing a black Kia Sportage driving erratically in Wimborne Road.

They reportedly attempted to stop the vehicle but it made off in the direction of the Stour Meadows.

It was reported that the car left the road and was found partially submerged in the River Stour.

Fire and ambulance services attended to assist and the single male occupant was checked over and had not sustained any injuries.

Further enquiries revealed the vehicle had reportedly been stolen from an address in the town.

A 20-year-old man from Somerton, Somerset, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, aggravated taking a vehicle without consent and driving offences.

Arrangements are being made to recover the vehicle.

Sergeant Al Marks, of Dorset Police’s Volume Crime Team, said: “We are continuing to conduct enquiries into this matter, and I am keen to hear from anyone with information that might assist our investigation.

“I am particularly keen to hear from any motorists who may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam footage.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55230034630. They can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.