A DRIVER who went the wrong way down the M4 during a police pursuit and had suspected drugs in his car has been arrested.

Officers tried to stop a Toyota Corolla which had been spotted travelling westbound on the motorway, close to Junction 15, at around 8.50pm on Monday.

The car initially pulled onto the hard shoulder - then the driver sped off and crossed two lanes.

Police pursued the fleeing vehicle but when other vehicles blocked its path, the driver U-turned and drove against the flow of traffic.

Due to the risk the driver posed to other road users, police performed a tactical manoeuvre to bring the Toyota to a stop.

They handcuffed the 21-year-old man from Swindon and found suspected drugs and three mobile phones in the car.

The officers learned that this suspect is wanted in connection with other crimes in both the Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset areas.

He remains in custody at Gablecross Police Station after being arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, aggravated burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, and burglary.

Sergeant Will Ayres, from Wiltshire Police's Roads Policing Unit, said: “Officers initially attempted to stop the vehicle due to intelligence about it being linked to various crimes, but the driver seemed determined to avoid being apprehended by police.

“Not only did the driver flee officers when he had been asked to pull over, but during his attempts to evade us, he turned against the flow of traffic and was driving the wrong way on a busy, dark motorway, posing an enormous risk to other motorists.

“Our officers had to act swiftly to prevent a serious collision and it was incredible fortunate that nobody was hurt or injured.”