A car that failed to stop for a police car in Sandford sparked a chase involving several police cars and the force helicopter. 

Readers reported six cars and a police van involved in the pursuit, between the golf course and the Gurkha restaurant on Sandford Road, as well as the police helicopter.

The occupants abandoned the blue Mazda after a short chase and ran off on foot, with the helicopter called to help locate them.

One was found at the back of Sandford Business Park but another two escaped.

The scale of the police activity sparked rumours on social media of a stabbing, but police said there were no injuries as a result of the incident.

It is not known why the Mazda was asked to stop. 

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “At around 11.10am today, Wednesday 14 August 2013, a blue Mazda car failed to stop for a marked police vehicle in the area of Sandford in Wareham.

"After a very short pursuit, the vehicle stopped and three men made off on foot.

"The Helicopter was called in to assist with the search for the offenders, one of which was located and arrested a short time later at the rear of Sandford Business Park.

"Two are currently outstanding.

"There was no accident or injury caused as a result of this incident, but police officers would like to hear from anyone who may have seen this vehicle in the area at the relevant time."

Anyone with information is urged to call the non-emergency number 101.