Driver arrested after vehicle makes off as police approach over 'very strong' cannabis smell in Tingley

Morley officers said the smell on Wednesday night was coming from an area in Tingley known by police to be 'frequently' used by cannabis smokers.

They made their way to a vehicle that was in the area and the driver made off 'at speed' when he saw police approaching.

The vehicle was found nearby by other officers in the area who had been notified about what had happened and all occupants were still inside.

Officers searched them under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Police said the driver was found to have cannabis in his possession and that he provided a positive drugs swipe.

He was arrested on suspicion of possessing cannabis, and driving under the influence of the drug.

He was taken to custody at Elland Road.

West Yorkshire Police revealed what happened in a post on social media: "*** Arrested for Cannabis and OPL - Tingley ***

"PCSO's from Morley NPT were tonight on patrol in the Tingley area when they smelt a very strong smell of cannabis coming from an area known to us to be frequently used by people smoking cannabis. The officers made their way to the area when a vehicle and the occupants sighted the PCSO's and drove off at speed away from them.

"The officers were able to obtain the vehicles VRM and a brief description of the occupants which was then broadcasted to other officers in the area using thier radio.

"Officers from Elland Road Response were in the area when they heard the broadcast and assisted with an area search for the vehicle.

"The vehicle was located a short distance away with the occupants still inside the vehicle.

"The occupants were detained and the vehicle and occupants were all searched under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

"The driver of the vehicle was found in possession of cannabis who also provided a positive drugs swipe at the roadside, he was therefore arrested for possession of cannabis and on suspicion of being in charge of a motor vehicle with a proportion of specified controlled drug above the specified limit where he was then taken to Elland Road Custody."