A YOUNG motorist who crashed a car into a hedge at the Blagdon junction with Mill Street in Crediton at about 6pm yesterday, Sunday, April 1, was almost three times over the drink-drive limit.

The vehicle, a black Ford Fiesta, mounted the pavement before coming to rest in the hedge of a property. Both of the cars nearside tyres deflated as a result of the crash.

The local young man, believed to be in his late teens or early 20s, attempted to make off from the scene but was brought to the ground just 150 yards from the scene in Blagdon.

A young male passenger also made off from the vehicle in the Blagdon area but was not found.

Exeter Police Sgt Dan Brenchley took to Twitter immediately after the incident and said: "Never off duty…out with family and fellow off duty colleague is restraining a male who has just crashed a car, help out whilst we wait for our on duty colleagues - #joblikenoother"

Detective Constable Copper, also took to Twitter about the incident and replied to Sgt Brenchley: "Thanks for your help. One intoxicated and difficult male who has now provided two samples of breath of 104 milligrams and 99. The legal limit is 35. #DontDrinkandDrive"

DC Copper added on his own Twitter page with images supplied by the "Courier": "This is a hedge! Its not a driveway, a car park or parking bay. It is a hedge! A barrier to keep unwanteds out and to divide boundaries.

"If you have a few drinks let someone sober drive you. Or ur car could end up like this and you’ll be coming with us! Log 576 #DontDrinkandDrive"

An almost empty bottle of vodka was retrieved at the scene.

The property owner, Paul Harris, said that it was the third time that a vehicle had crashed into his hedge in the past 20 years.

He said that some years ago a milk tanker had crashed into the hedge, a few years ago it was hit by an Austin Maxi.

Mr Harris said that it was lucky that no-one was walking along the pavement at the time, adding that fortunately no-one was injured.Members of the public assisted at the scene and a member of the West Devon Emergency Volunteer Group placed cones around the vehicle to make the area safe for passing motorists and pedestrians.

Police took a witness statement from a woman who saw the crash.

Anyone who also saw the crash or saw the vehicle before it crashed is asked to contact PC Steven Athawes using the 101 number or email: [email protected] . Please quote crime reference 576 of 1/4/18.