A car thief crashed into three parked cars before deliberately ramming a police van in Colliers Wood last night.

Officers on patrol requested a vehicle that they were interested in to pull over, but it failed to stop.

The vehicle then crashed into three parked cars before deliberately ramming a police van on Wilton Road.

No officers were injured during the collision and the suspect was soon arrested.

He was searched and found to be carrying drugs.

The car that he was driving was also found to be stolen.

Police have said that anyone that owns a car that has been damaged during the incident may need a crime reference number for insurance – which is CAD 667/16Jul22.

A spokesperson for Merton Police said: “Whilst on proactive night duty patrols our VSU came across a vehicle that they were interested in.

“Things escalated quickly as it failed to stop, colliding with three stationary cars before deliberately ramming our carrier.

“Fortunately none of our officers were injured and the suspect was arrested.

“During the search, we found the drugs he was carrying but more importantly the stolen car he was driving.

“More excellent proactive work led by officer's instincts.

“This was Wilton Road SW19. (We did not hit any cars btw).

“Anyone with cars affected may need a reference number for insurance which would be CAD 667/16Jul22.”