A CAR being pursued by police collided with crash barriers at Hengistbury Head in the early hours of this morning.

Police officers were called to reports of a car being stolen from a property in the Poole Lane area of Kinson, Bournemouth at around 12.20am.

The car failed to stop for police officers and was subsequently followed, before colliding with a gate at the Bournemouth nature reserve and beauty spot.

The police helicopter was called out to assist with the search for the person who had been driving the car.

Dorset Police said a 25-year-old Bournemouth man had been arrested on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without consent and is currently helping officers with their enquiries.

Bournemouth Borough Council said the gate had sustained substantial damage and would need to be replaced.