A stranger chauffeured a hit-and-run suspect all the way to London after being approched by him in a supermarket car park in Swindon late last night.
Initial reports on social media claim the stranger was abducted by a machete-wielding man and forced to drive to Epsom – some 79 miles east of the town – but police say no weapons were used.
A dozen police officers were seen surrounding a van outside Westlea Fire Station at around 8.40pm, which is understood to have crashed into a bus stop following a police pursuit.
Police dogs and a drone unit were called into to help search for the fleeing suspect.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “Following a single vehicle road traffic collision on Mead Way shortly before 8.40pm, the driver of the vehicle left the scene before officers arrived.
“Then, at 9.30pm, a driver was stopped in the car park of the Aldi supermarket by a man, believed to be the driver from the earlier collision, and asked to drive him to London.
“No threats were made and no weapons were used or seen.
“The man drove the suspect to Epsom where the suspect left on foot.
“We are in contact with the second driver and our enquiries continue. Anyone with further information is asked to contact us on 101 and quote log number 13 of today.”
