A DRIVER stopped by police turned out to be wanted for a violent crime before being found with a machete and no driving licence.

Dorset Police No Excuse officers sighted a Mercedes driving in Pokesdown on Friday afternoon, June 17, which was of interest to the force after failing to stop for armed response officers earlier in the week.

Officers managed to arrange resources to stop the car safely as children were leaving a nearby school.

Upon inspection, it was discovered the driver was in fact wanted for a previous incident of violence. A subsequent police search found him to be in possession of a knife and machete.

Bournemouth Echo: Machete found on driver during stop in Pokesdown. Picture: Dorset Police No ExcuseMachete found on driver during stop in Pokesdown. Picture: Dorset Police No Excuse

He also had no driving licence and no insurance. He was arrested and taken into Bournemouth custody.

A No Excuse spokesperson said: “The driver will also be questioned in relation to driving offences earlier this week when it failed to stop. They always pop up again.

“The vehicle was found not to be in a roadworthy condition and was issued with a prohibition notice and was seized.”