Onlookers in an Irish town found themselves rubbing their eyes on Saturday after witnessing a police car chasing down a flying saucer through the streets.

The strange vehicle was also spotted zooming through a children's playground in Gorey, County Wexford.

After a low-speed pursuit, witnesses saw police pull the craft over, to discover a very worldly explanation.

The flying saucer was, in fact, the work of local artist Ali Kemal Ali, who created the unique piece for a youth and arts festival.

Mr Ali, originally from Islington, London, revealed he had roped in police for the stunt to drum up interest in the space-themed show.


He said police saw the funny side of his request, and a video of them giving chase has since been viewed almost a million times.

"They loved it. They were brilliant. How often do you go into a police station and ask for something like this -

it's always doom and gloom. They saw the funny side of it," he said.

The vehicle runs on two electric scooters and is equipped with a strobe light, smoke machine and laser.

The 53-year-old said of his creation: "When you come up beside it, it feels like it's alive."

Following the outdoor exhibition, which showcased more than 20 artists, the galactic-inspired contraption is preparing for another voyage.

It will be making an appearance at the Electric Picnic music and arts festival next month.