A STOLEN 4x4 van with a large trailer tried to ram a police car in a desperate bid to escape yesterday afternoon.

Quick-thinking officers however reversed to avoid a collision and the trailer ended up on a grass verge.

The driver then bailed and fled on foot but was caught by members of West Mercia Police's Operations Patrol Unit (OPU).

This dramatic episode marked the end of the pursuit which ran through parts of Worcestershire and Staffordshire.

Officers were able to trace the Mazda, which was stolen from Sherborne in Gloucestershire, after picking up a tracking device signal and the short chase ended in Kinver.

The driver was arrested and later released on bail.

OPU Worcestershire tweeted about the incident and other users of the social media site posted praise for the police officers' work.

@LaraytonLesley wrote "good work" while @yessociety999 added "result!".Ledbury Reporter: