The police helicopter was also involved in the search earlier tonight of a driver of a vehicle which failed to stop for officers on the A12 in north Suffolk.

The incident began at 8.20pm this evening when a car failed to stop for police on the A12 northbound in the Wickham Market area.

A police pursuit ensued as the vehicle travelled north, eventually stopping in the Leiston area, some 12 miles away.

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said the driver of the vehicle then got out of the car and fled the scene.

The force spokesman confirmed that the police helicopter was involved in the search for the driver. He said the helicopter “circled Leiston a few times” before its involvement in the search came to an end.

Police spent several hours searching for the suspect, with a heavy police presence in the Leiston area.

Police believe the vehicle was involved in previous offences.

At 11.30pm, a police spokesman said the vehicle had been recovered and officiers will use forensic data to help locate the driver.