TWO men were arrested after a 30-minute police pursuit in Salisbury during the early hours of this morning.

At about 12.30am, a Skoda Fabia was seen in London Road failing to stop for a red traffic light at St Marks roundabout by an officer in an unmarked police car.

The officer made an attempt to stop the vehicle as it approached Castle roundabout from Churchill Way North but the vehicle continued, passing through red lights again.

The vehicle was pursued along various locations in Salisbury and the Woodfood Valley before returning to the Salisbury area.

During this pursuit a Stinger type tyre deflation device was used resulting in the Skoda being driven without a front tyre for some distance and speed for the conditions.

It was eventually stopped in the area of Trafalgar Park.

The pursuit lasted a total of 30 minutes and involved officers from the local Community Policing Team, CID, Dog section and NPAS (helicopter).

Two people inside the vehicle – a 48-year-old man from Salisbury and a 50-year-old man from Southampton – were detained by officers.

Both were arrested for taking a vehicle without owner’s consent and failing to stop for police.

Detective Sergeant Dean Garvin of Salisbury CID said: “This incident is a good example of CID working together with CPT colleagues and the Tri-Force Dog Unit to draw the pursuit to a successful and safe conclusion following the deployment of a stinger.

“Nobody was hurt as a result of the incident and two men have been arrested. They both remain in police custody at this time.

“It is never a good idea to get yourself involved in a police pursuit with a coordinated team trained to stop you, but this is particularly true when one of the vehicles behind you reads ‘Dog Unit’.”

Inspector Pete Sparrow said: “Police Officers will continue to make brave choices, often placing themselves in danger to protect the public and bring offenders to justice. The most important aspect here is that nobody has been hurt. If there are any people who witnessed the standard of driving we would welcome the opportunity to speak to you.”