THE police helicopter assisted in searches after a car crashed with an electricity pole in North Dorset.

Officers were called to the scene of the incident in Manston near Sturminster Newton shortly after 9pm on Saturday, September 5.

On arrival, police could not locate the drive. A search effort was launched, assisted by the NPAS helicopter, and a Weymouth man was arrested.

A spokeswoman for Dorset Police said: "A 26-year-old man from Weymouth was located and arrested on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent and driving offences.

"He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue."