THIS is the dramatic moment police chased a disqualified and uninsured driver through country roads in Somerset.

Clive Hill, 41, of Butchers Close, Radstock, led police on a high-speed pursuit, crashing into three vehicles, before abandoning the car and trying to make a run for it.

However, he was tracked by the police helicopter and was arrested.

He has now been jailed for 14 months.

Hill admitted several driving offences relating to the pursuit on November 18 last year.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

Hill, who was disqualified from driving, failed to stop for officers after they saw him behind the wheel of a blue Ford Mondeo in Backwell.

He drove away at speed, overtaking on blind bends and forced oncoming vehicles into taking evasive action.

He collided with a total of three cars whilst driving at excessive speeds and attempting dangerous overtakes on country roads.

The pursuit lasted from Backwell to Tickenham, and then on to the B3128 in Failand where he collided with the final two cars. This caused his vehicle to nearly overturn and considerable damage to the other two.

He abandoned the car and was tracked by the National Police Air Service helicopter and arrested following a short foot chase.

PC Richard Sage said: “The idiotic actions of Hill put lives at risk and it is a miracle that no-one was injured.

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

(Jailed: Clive Hill)

“The helicopter footage illustrates the extreme lengths Hill took to evade officers and show he had no regard for the safety of other road users, his passenger or himself.

“I hope this sends a strong message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated and we will always seek to bring drivers who risk their lives and others to justice.”