THE occupants of a car which had driven through the night from London told police in Dorset they were visiting girlfriends they had met on social media.

A spokesman for the force's No Excuse Team said: "We're still busy out and about checking the roads.

"Over the last couple of shifts we've dealt with several minor RTCs, checked hundreds of vehicles against our data base, assisted our county lines team with vehicle stops, seized several vehicles for no insurance, licence etc and dealt with a few drivers in breach of the COVID regulations.

"Our latest seizure was for no insurance, plus a vehicle examination.

"Obvious faults included dangerous tints on the front windows and rear lights.

"After we checked the ANPR we noted they had driven from London at 0102 hours this morning. Some 112 miles. When asked why, they stated they wanted to visit their girlfriends they had met on social media.

"The car smelt of cannabis and the driver stated it was a hire car. We're not sure about that due to it's condition.

"The driver also has bail conditions to sign on at Wimbledon police station tomorrow.

"We will check. Enquiries therefore ongoing. So far they have been reported for driving offences and a COVID breach. Another dangerous vehicle off the roads.

"Yesterday we also reported and turned around a driver in Bournemouth. He had travelled from Bognor Regis some 74 miles to get his car fixed by a mobile mechanic he trusted. Not essential!"

"Another vehicle has been seized, as his licence had expired."