TRAFFIC officers across Dorset are appealing to the public to help them locate a motorist who evaded police while behind the wheel of a Mercedes.

Yesterday (Saturday, January 22), police were alerted after a silver Mercedes flagged up on an ANPR camera (mass surveillance device) in Swanage.

It was discovered the motorist was driving with no insurance, no MOT and no road tax.

A spokesman from Dorset Police said: "We were tasked with assisting our colleagues out west yesterday (January 22), but we had managed to get to the Isle of Purbeck prior to the 'call'.

"Whilst on an enquiry in Swanage this Mercedes hit our ANPR camera (mass surveillance device) for no insurance.

"Turns out it had no MOT and no tax either. As we went to stop it, the car has evaded us, but we found it hidden behind some flats a few minutes later - locked and unattended.

"The vehicle was seized, and enquiries are being made to locate the driver."

If you have any information, contact police on 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.