A BMW that was seen performing doughnuts in front of a gathered crowd in the Severn Beach area came to rest in a hedge shortly before midnight on Saturday after failing to stop for police.
Police witnessed dangerous driving
Officers from Avon and Somerset Police’s Roads Policing Unit responded to multiple reports of vehicles being driven dangerously and of racing. On arrival they observed the BMW carrying out circular manoeuvres among spectators, a behaviour the force says put both those watching and other road users at considerable risk.
"On arrival, officers witnessed this BMW performing doughnuts amongst a crowd of people, putting both spectators and other road users at significant risk."
When officers activated their blue lights, the driver did not stop and accelerated away, reaching a recorded speed of 70mph in a 30mph zone. Approaching a T-junction the vehicle left the carriageway and came to rest in a hedge. No injuries were reported.
Immediate consequences and investigation
The driver is under investigation for a number of offences connected to the incident. The vehicle has been seized and removed from the road until the defects are corrected.
- Alleged offences: dangerous driving; failing to stop for police; not displaying front and rear number plates; operating a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
- Vehicle condition: police reported both rear tyres had exposed cords, which may have affected stopping capability.
- Casualties: none reported.
Local impact and policing message
Officers highlighted that while many car enthusiasts drive responsibly, incidents like this can endanger the public and damage the wider community’s reputation. The force reiterated that public highways are shared spaces, not venues for racing.
| Detail | Reported |
|---|---|
| Location | Severn Beach area |
| Time | Shortly before midnight on Saturday |
| Recorded speed | 70mph in a 30mph zone |
| Injuries | None reported |
The vehicle has been taken off the road pending correction of defects. The ongoing probe will determine whether charges are brought in relation to the dangerous driving and related offences.
If you have information about the incident, or witnessed events in the Severn Beach area that night, Avon and Somerset Police ask you to contact their Roads Policing Unit to assist the investigation.
