MOTORISTS narrowly avoided a head-on collision with a van hurtling down the wrong way of a Hampshire carriageway as a terrifying high-speed police chase unfolded.

Armed police officers raced after a man driving a Nissan Qashqai through Hedge End after he failed to stop at junction seven of the M27 motorway.

Drivers have described to the Daily Echo how the vehicle was driving at speed towards on- coming traffic and weaving in and out of cars on Tuesday afternoon.

One motorist, who did not want to be named, said: “I was about to approach the Next store and from nowhere a white vehicle was heading in my direction at high speed.

“The vehicle was swerving between both lanes and I slammed my brakes on expecting the car to hit me head on but he somehow missed me by inches.

“I clearly saw the driver – his eyes were wide open similar to when someone was in fear as he weaved past me, nearly losing control of the vehicle.”

Another said: “I was driving past the retail park on Turnpike Way and a white car was driving at speed towards me on the same carriageway in the fast lane.

“How he avoided a head-on with me or anyone, I’ll never know – he winged it past me.

As reported yesterday, police confirmed a 32-year-old man from the West Midlands was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, failure to stop, and cannabis possession.

He is currently in police custody.