THE CAR that was used to ram into a police car on Thursday has been discovered abandoned and on fire by residents.

New Forest Heart Police confirmed the charred remains of the vehicle left in the Spring Bushes car park yesterday morning was that of a blue Fiat Punto which was stolen from an address in Dorset earlier this year.

A police spokesperson said: “Thanks to all of you who reported the car on fire in the Spring Bushes car park. We have now confirmed that it was the car that rammed us at the Travel Lodge at Stoney Cross last night.

“It will be recovered by Forestry England on Monday and the car park will remain closed over the weekend.

Bournemouth Echo: Car fire in Spring Bushes car park. Picture: New Forest Heart CopsCar fire in Spring Bushes car park. Picture: New Forest Heart Cops

“Investigations continue into who has been using that car, so if you have seen a blue Fiat Punto acting suspiciously anywhere in the Forest recently please let us know. The best way to get information to us directly is to email richard.williams@hampshire.pnn.police.uk but in an emergency always call 999.”

As reported, police spotted the car believed to be responsible for a series of thefts from vehicles parked at the Travel Lodge just before midnight on Thursday January 20.

Officers blocked the car in but it rammed the police vehicle, damaging it and making off through Emery Down and across the Forest using the tracks from Acres Down to the Canadian War Memorial.