Dartmouth police officer rammed by van during car chase

A police officer was rammed repeatedly by a white Ford Transit van during a pursuit from Dartmouth. 

Last Friday, March 28, in the early evening, Dartmouth Town Neighbourhood Beat Manager Andy Willetts was on routine patrol when he saw a white Ford Transit Van being driven with no insurance.

The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit of the vehicle commenced.  

A spokesperson for Dartmouth Police said: "The pursuit lasted for 40 minutes, during which, PC Willetts' patrol car was reverse rammed by the van 25 times. During the pursuit PC Willetts was assisted by the National Police Air Service, traffic officers and a police dog unit.

"Eventually the van was brought to a halt and the driver, Wajeeh Izharuddin, was arrested."

Mr Izharuddin was subsequently charged with dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, no insurance, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, assault by beating of an emergency worker and possession of cannabis.  

He was remanded in custody and appeared at Plymouth Magistrates Court today where he entered guilty pleas. 

He was further remanded and will be sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court on Monday, 28 April 2025.