TWO Ilminster men were arrested after a motorway police chase on Saturday morning.

21-year-old John Simon Panes and a 19-year-old, who remains in police custody, were arrested after a pursuit on the M5 involving a police helicopter, patrol cars and a dog handler.

A Ford Transit van, allegedly stolen from Axminster on June 8, was flagged up as stolen when it passed an automatic number plate unit at junction 27 northbound.

Police say the driver failed to stop and a pursuit began at junction 21, with ground officers guided by a helicopter overhead.

Two men were arrested at 9.40am after police say they tried to escape on foot after turning down a dead end in Almondsbury, Gloucestershire.

John Panes was charged with aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving while the 19-year-old was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.