A dramatic police chase through Street and Somerton ended with a smashed police car, a van wrecked against a wall – and a driver who vanished into the night.

The chaos unfolded in the early hours of Thursday 29 May, when eagle-eyed officer PC Howard spotted something that didn't add up: a white Peugeot Boxer van towing a trailer, but the number plates didn't match.

Suspecting the trailer was stolen, PC Howard called for back-up. That's when pursuit-trained PC Carter picked up the trail on the outskirts of Street – and the chase began.

But before officers could bring the van to a safe stop, the driver reversed straight into the front of the police car in a desperate bid to escape. Despite the damage, the pursuit continued through the town and onto rural roads towards Somerton.

Avon and Somerset Police said: "The offender subsequently reversed and rammed the van into the officer's marked vehicle causing front end damage. The officer was fortunately able to continue the pursuit around Street."

The van then sped towards Somerton, swerving past two traffic cars en route to help. PC Carter and traffic units kept up the chase – until the driver finally crashed into a wall.

Rather than surrender, the suspect made a run for it and disappeared into the darkness.

Police confirmed: "It was then pursued into Somerton by PC Carter and the traffic units where the occupant then crashed into a wall and fled from the vehicle and, unfortunately, made off into the darkness. Enquiries to identify the driver continue."

Although the suspect slipped away, officers recovered a number of stolen tools and other property, which have now been returned to their rightful owners.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Call 101 and quote reference 5225149085, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.