Detectives are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a dangerous driving incident in Ferndown that saw a vehicle reportedly travel the wrong way along the A31 dual carriageway.
Dorset Police were called at around 9.45pm on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, after receiving reports of a possible intoxicated driver in the area of the McDonald’s restaurant on Ringwood Road. Concerned motorists alerted officers after witnessing what was described as erratic driving in the busy area.
According to police, officers quickly responded and attempted to stop the vehicle, identified as a grey Honda CRV, in the nearby Halfords car park. However, before officers could intervene, the vehicle allegedly made off from the scene.
The situation then escalated dramatically when the Honda is reported to have entered the A31 dual carriageway and driven in the wrong direction, creating an extremely dangerous situation for other road users. The vehicle is said to have continued along the carriageway before crossing the grass central reservation and rejoining the correct side of the road, heading towards St Leonards.
The vehicle was later located nearby, abandoned and unoccupied.
Following what police described as “fast-time enquiries”, officers arrested a 21-year-old man from Poole on suspicion of driving offences. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Detective Constable David Williams, of Dorset Police, said officers are continuing to gather evidence and urged anyone who may have witnessed the घटना to come forward.
He said: “We are continuing to carry out enquiries into this incident and I am keen to hear from any witnesses who have not already spoken to police.
“I would also urge motorists who were in the vicinity around the relevant time to please review any dashcam footage for anything that might assist our investigation.”
Police are particularly keen to hear from drivers who were travelling on the A31 or in the Ferndown and St Leonards areas at the time, as dashcam footage could prove vital in piecing together the vehicle’s movements.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260049900.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers via its website or by calling 0800 555 111.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the potential risk posed to other motorists on one of the area’s major roads.
