Third arrest and BMW seized over car meet disorder

A BMW was seized in Westmead, Farnborough

A third man has been arrested and a fourth vehicle seized after disorder at a large car meet in Hampshire.

The car, a white BMW M2, was seized by officers tonight after arriving at a smaller gathering in Westmead, Farnborough.

Police said it was alleged the vehicle had performed "doughnuts" while in Southampton on Saturday.

The driver of the car, a 22-year-old man from Dorking, Surrey, has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

The meet last weekend began at Winchester Park and Ride, before moving on to Southampton, Eastleigh, Chandler's Ford, Fareham and finally gathering at Southsea seafront shortly after midnight.

Police said motorists were seen letting off fireworks, hanging out of the windows of moving vehicles and driving at high speeds

A BMW M3, a Ford Fiesta and a Volkswagen Golf had already been seized this week and two people were arrested and bailed.

Ch Supt Darren O'Callaghan said: "We have been very clear that we will do all in our powers to identify, locate and arrest people we believe to be involved in dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour at these gatherings.

"If you don't want us taking your vehicle and arresting you, then don't behave recklessly and endanger the lives of others, along with the considerable impact it has on local residents.

"We will act swiftly and decisively, using all powers available to us to disrupt this behaviour."

Police said a crowd of about 500 people had gathered

Ch Supt O'Callaghan said his officers were "ready to react swiftly" to any further similar disorder this weekend.

He said: "While many car enthusiasts are respectful and want to show their car off in a safe and responsible way, too many are now flouting the laws of the road and blighting our communities, having a serious impact on people's lives.

"We will not tolerate anti-social and dangerous driving, putting people at risk on our roads.

"Not only are people attending events at risk should someone lose control of a vehicle, but innocent bystanders simply trying to go about their business are being endangered."