A MAN has been charged following police chase which resulted in armed officers swooping on a Hampshire community.

Andell Butcher, 32, of Curtin Drive, Wednesbury, was charged with dangerous driving, driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence, failing to stop when required to do so, using a motor vehicle on a road without insurance, and possession of cannabis.

He appeared at Southampton Magistrates' Court this morning and will appear at Southampton Crown Court on September 5.

Magistrates remanded him in custody.

As reported, armed police officers swarmed onto Turnpike Way in Hedge End following a high-speed police chase.

Motorists described how they had to swerve to safety to avoid crashing into the van, which was weaving in and out of traffic.