Military truck driven through road block as man held on suspicion of attempted murder of police
Video footage showed the truck smashing into police cars and other vehicles during the incident in Somerset.
Tuesday 12 September 2023 21:40, UK
Multiple vehicles have been damaged after a privately-owned military truck was driven through a police road block.
Both police cars and other vehicles were caught up in the incident in the Taunton area of Somerset on Sunday afternoon.
A man has now been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder of police officers.
Officers went to an address in Norton Fitzwarren around 4.40pm after reports a man made threats to a person living there, said police.
When officers arrived, the man had left the address in a military truck.
Police said the truck was driven into police cars blocking a road.
Video footage showed the truck on a bridge smashing into the back of one police car, pushing it forward several metres, causing it to end up at a 90 degree angle.
The truck was then seen hitting other vehicles before smashing into a lamp post and a for sale sign, knocking them both down.
After the incident, the man then drove to the A361 M5 overbridge where he left the vehicle, according to police.
He then climbed over the railings, leading the motorway to be closed in both directions.
He was arrested 25 minutes later and he remains in custody.
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Avon and Somerset Police said the man was also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
No police or members of the public were hurt during Sunday's events.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK.