POLICE arrested an Isle of Wight man on suspicion of a string of drugs offences.

Officers on patrol on Fairlee Road, Newport, were made aware of a specific "vehicle of interest" heading towards the town yesterday evening (Saturday).

When they attempted to engage with the driver, in a small parking area at the entrance to Seaclose Park Road in Newport, he made off, a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said.

The unnamed suspect — a 28-year-old Freshwater man — was located a short time later at Medina Quay in Newport.

A search of the vehicle he had been travelling in was carried out under Section 23 search powers under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

The man was arrested on suspicion of driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs, driving a motor vehicle whilst above the specified limit and possession of a controlled drug of Class A.

He was later released from police custody, but remains under investigation on police bail while inquiries continue.