A POLICE helicopter search was launched during a police chase in Southampton.

A tweet from the NPAS Bournemouth police helicopter team suggested that the chase began in Fareham and the vehicle was stopped by officers in Alfred Street, with a helicopter reported to be circling above the Inner Avenue area.

Three men were arrested following the incident at around 1.30am on Saturday.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokeswoman confirmed that an 18-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without the owner's consent, failing to stop and driving whilst unfit through drink.

A 19-year-old from Southampton was also arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without the owner's consent, and 20-year-old from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without the owner's consent and possession of a class B drug.