A POLICE car was rammed into by a vehicle during a chase in North Yorkshire.

Officers pursued the white BMW X5 at 3.50am today (December 3) after it failed to pull over on the A162 at Burton Salmon, in the Selby district, North Yorkshire Police said.

The vehicle sped towards Sherburn-in-Elmet with a black BMW 1 Series - believed to be travelling in convoy - ahead of it, according to the force.

At around 3.55am on Aviation Road, Sherburn-in-Elmet, the X5 stopped and reversed into the pursuing police BMW 3 Series, causing front-end damage, the force said.

A police spokesman commented: "Thankfully the officer did not come to harm."

The force said the X5 was found abandoned near the South Milford roundabout on the A162 at about 4.40am, while the 1 Series was last seen heading past Byram in the direction of West Yorkshire.

"Police inquiries are ongoing into the incident and the abandoned vehicle has undergone detailed forensic examination," the spokesman added.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the force control room.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Quote reference number 12180224869.