ARMED police and a helicopter chased a car through Oxford city centre in the early hours of this morning before arresting three people.

The pursuit, at approximately 4am, involved officers from Thames Valley and Hampshire Police's armed response unit, Thames Valley Police's roads policing unit and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter based at Benson.

It began when the vehicle failed to stop for police, before coming to an end in Paradise Street, behind Oxford Castle.

Four people then vacated the car, which was later recovered.

NPAS Benson tweeted that its officers were given 'a bit of a run around'.

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Thames Valley Police spokesperson, David Marsh, said: "Thames Valley Police officers attended a dangerous driving incident today at around 4am.

"A vehicle failed to stop for police and a pursuit began. Four people later de-camped from the vehicle in Paradise Street, Oxford."

Police are asking any witnesses to call 101, quoting reference number 43190010335.