THREE men have been arrested after a suspected dangerous driving incident that saw a car travel through a number of Dorset villages before being abandoned in the countryside.

Police attempted to stop a green Ford Fiesta near Winterborne Kingston, close to Bere Regis, at around 7.10pm on Wednesday, June 17.

According to Dorset Police, the vehicle was driven at speed and in a dangerous manner along a route taking in Winterborne Whitechurch, the A354 through Milborne St Andrew, Milton Abbas and Bulbarrow Hill.

The car was later found abandoned after reportedly leaving the road near Stoke Lane in Stoke Wake.

The two occupants were said to have fled on foot.

Following searches in the area, officers located three people in another nearby vehicle.

A 21-year-old man and a 27-year-old man, both from Weymouth, were arrested on suspicion of driving offences and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

A third man, aged 33 and also from Weymouth, was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and perverting the course of justice.

All three remained in police custody as enquiries continued.

Sgt Sam Kinsella said officers were carrying out a detailed investigation and urged anyone who witnessed the incident or may have captured relevant dashcam footage to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260089976.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.