POLICE recovered a stolen car after a "short pursuit" in Southampton last night.

The occupants escaped but police are carrying out forensic tests on the car, which is being linked to crimes in Hampshire.

Posting on social media Hants Roads Policing said: "A busy evening in the west, finishing with a short pursuit of vehicle on cloned plates in #Southampton.

"The occupants decamped and the vehicle was confirmed as a stolen car from Coventry and linked to crimes in Hants.

"Forensic enquiries now ongoing."