Officers investigating a large car meet that passed through various parts of Hampshire last weekend have arrested a fourth and fifth man in connection with dangerous driving during the event. The arrests come after police received numerous reports of vehicles being driven dangerously across the county.
The two men arrested include a 24-year-old from Portsmouth and a 32-year-old from Caerphilly. Both have been taken into custody on suspicion of driving a motor vehicle dangerously, and they remain in custody as enquiries continue.
Two additional vehicles, a black BMW M140i and a BMW 320d, have been seized, bringing the total number of vehicles seized in connection with the investigation to six. Earlier this week, police also seized a BMW M3, a Ford Fiesta, a Volkswagen Golf, and a BMW M2. Five individuals have now been arrested in connection with the event.
The car meet, which took place last Saturday, September 21, began at Winchester Park and Ride before moving through Southampton, Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford, Fareham, and finally gathering at Southsea seafront shortly after midnight. Officers responded to multiple reports of reckless driving and anti-social behaviour associated with the event.
Inspector Andy Tester spoke about the ongoing police efforts to address dangerous driving linked to car meets, stating, “Our officers will do all in our power to identify, locate, and arrest people we believe to be involved in dangerous driving and anti-social behaviour at these gatherings.
Motorists who drive in an anti-social manner risk the safety of road users and their behaviour disrupts our local communities—this behaviour will not be tolerated,” Inspector Tester added. We take all reports of dangerous driving extremely seriously, and we have now arrested a total of five people in connection with last week’s car meet.
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 continue to act swiftly and decisively, using all powers available to us to disrupt this behaviour.
The investigation is ongoing, and officers are urging anyone with information or footage related to the car meet to come forward. Police remain committed to ensuring public safety and maintaining order on the roads.
