A POLICE officer burned his nose after seizing and smelling a bottle of sulphuric acid, a court heard.

The officer sustained burns after stopping a vehicle being driven erratically in Bournemouth in September 2017.

The driver of the vehicle, Daniel Andrew Mills, admitted possession of an offensive weapon, namely sulphuric acid, when he appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court.

He also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

Mills, 24, of Poole Road, Bournemouth, was jailed for a total of three years and nine months.

He was also issued with life-long restraining orders preventing him from having any contact with the witnesses involved in the case.

At around 4pm on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, officers carried out a stop check on an Audi car at County Gates in Poole Road, Bournemouth.

They had seen the vehicle being driven erratically.

Four men were inside the vehicle and they all refused to get out of the car and were seen attempting to hide items.

Mills was driving the vehicle and following a search a bottle of suspected corrosive liquid was found in the side compartment of the driver’s door.

When an officer opened the bottle and smelt it, it immediately started burning his nose.

He sustained burns to his nose as a result.

Mills was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon.

While in custody he was searched and a small wrap of cocaine was found in his left sock, which he said was for personal use.

A bag was found in the car which contained multiple wraps of cocaine and messages were also located on his mobile phone in relation to setting up drug deals.

Detective Constable Honor McAdam, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I hope the sentence issued will send out a very strong message that Dorset Police does not tolerate anyone carrying corrosive substances such as acid.

“This is a highly dangerous weapon to be carrying and can cause devastating and permanent injuries if used.

“It also reminds those dealing and using drugs that you will be dealt with robustly by the court.”