Force chopper scrambled after driver flees police

The Devon & Cornwall Police helicopter was scrambled yesterday when a driver sped off after being approached by police.

The man had pulled into the Texaco garage on Honiton Road when an officer attempted to speak to him.

According to one witness, he sped away, leaving his passenger behind.

The Police chopper was seen hovering over the Wonford area soon after, before flying off towards Exminster.

The motorist, who asked not to be named, told The Exeter Daily that the driver fled the moment he saw the officer.

He added: "A number of police appeared to go in pursuit of the car and the helicopter arrived on the scene within minutes.

"It happened so quickly, we weren't quite sure what was going on at first."

The Exeter Daily contacted the police press office but they did not offer any information.