A WEYMOUTH man has appeared in court in connection with a string of offences which left a police officer injured and his patrol car damaged.

Storm Darch, 22, appeared in Poole Magistrates’ Court this morning charged with eight separate offences in relation to a pursuit through Weymouth in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The early morning drama in the Broadwey and Nottington areas yesterday also saw a disturbance at a caravan site where it is believed a man fleeing police made threats as he attempted to steal a car.

Darch has been charged with assaulting a constable, attempted robbery, burglary, dangerous driving, drink driving, and driving without a licence or insurance.

He has also been charged for breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Dorset Police have confirmed they are not actively searching for anyone else in relation to the incident.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: "At around 6am on Tuesday, a white Citroen van containing three occupants failed to stop for officers in Dorchester Road in Weymouth.

"The vehicle was found abandoned in Nottington Lane.

"Two local men aged 22 and 60 were arrested. Officers searched the area for the remaining occupant."

The spokesman said a police officer sustained injuries during the arrest and was taken to hospital for treatment. The officer’s injuries were not believed to be serious and he was discharged from hospital yesterday afternoon."

A police car was also damaged in the incident, the force said. The damaged car was later seen being towed away from the area.

Dorset Police said the disturbance at the caravan site at Nottington where a man made threats is believed to be connected to the pursuit and abandoned vehicle in nearby Nottington Lane.

Several police officers were seen on the site and forensic investigations were underway.

Officers said enquiries are still being made and a clear timeline of events is currently unclear.

A heavy police presence was reported in the Nottington area throughout the morning with Nottington Lane partially blocked in both directions near to the junction with Dorchester Road.

Before midday yesterday, police confirmed that the 60-year-old arrested man had been released without charge.

Christine Greenwood, a holidaymaker from Leeds who is staying in the Nottington area, said she was “shocked” to hear about the incident.

She said: “We didn’t hear a thing. We travelled seven-and-half-hours to get here yesterday so maybe we were tired.

“I can’t believe our dogs didn’t bark either. Even at home just the slightest movement and they make a noise.”

Borough councillor for Wey Valley ward Pamela Nixon said: “This is most unusual for this area.

“At the end of the day Nottington Lane is a lane, it is not a main road. It cannot cope with the extra traffic and it certainly cannot cope with speeding around those corners.

“As far as any crime goes I can’t really comment, and I can only stress that this is usually a very safe place to live.”

Darch was remanded in custody and will next appear before Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, August 25.