POLICE were involved in a high speed chase with a blue van, following a theft investigation.

The incident took place along Bursledon Road on Sunday December 29 at 5.26pm and the pursuit lasted for around four minutes.

Officers began to chase the van in connection with their ongoing investigation into theft, and after four minutes were forced to end pursuit because it was “no longer safe to continue”.

No one has been arrested or charged in connection to this incident.

Shortly later, the vehicle was found to be abandoned in a wooded area at the top of Boswell Close.

Resident of Boswell Close, Ina Smith, said: “There was a car dumped here a few weeks before this and children tried to set fire to it, and there have been a number of motorbikes left here as well.

“The woods are just becoming a dumping ground.

“I have lived next door to the woods for 50 odd years and it’s worrying seeing what’s left there day to day, and one day the whole lot is going to go up in flames.”

Another resident, Sarah Wing added: “I think it’s getting ridiculous, there is so much crime going on!”

Police are now appealing for information.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: “If you saw anything suspicious or have any information, contact police on the 101 service, quoting the reference number 44190465542.”