THE driver of a car that careered through Swindon at speed late at night and went the wrong way up the A419, putting people in danger, is being sought by police.

It was finally found abandoned in Blunsdon after being caught by a stinger as it turned onto the A419 at the Honda roundabout.

The Silver Skoda Octavia was first seen being driven dangerously and at speed through Swindon town centre in the early hours of September 16.

Police tried to stop it but the vehicle carried and turned the wrong way on to the A419 at the Blunsdon junction. They believe it was then taken into Gloucestershire.

More than two months later, between 1.50am and 2.45am on December 18, the same vehicle went to the BP filling station in Royal Wootton Bassett.

The driver and two passengers entered the shop, distracted the staff, and picked up a range of food and drink from the shelves before leaving without making any attempt to pay for them.

It was then spotted bearing false registration plates in High Street, Old Town, where police again attempted to stop it, but without success.

The vehicle was driven dangerously and at speed through the town centre and turned on to the A419 at the Honda junction where it was stung by traffic officers.

When it was discovered dumped in Blunsdon the occupants had fled the scene.

PC Leila Williams, of the Community Policing Team West, said: “The driver of this vehicle has put members of the public in danger on more than one occasion by driving dangerously through busy areas of the town and deliberately turning into the path of oncoming vehicles in a bid to escape officers.

“It is fortunate that nobody was injured or worse, killed, as a result of his actions.

Police have released CCTV images of three people they want to trace.

She added: “We are carrying out extensive enquiries into these incidents and would like to speak to the two men and woman pictured in connection.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if preferred.