A VAN driver rammed into a police car in an attempt to escape a pursuit after being seen leaving a burglary in Cradley Heath.

A 47-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary after the Cherrywood Smokehouse Bar and Grill was targeted in the early hours.

The van was spotted leaving the scene of a burglary at the restaurant, which is based at the former Cradley Heath Labour Club building, in Graingers Lane, just before 5am today (Monday).

Police pursued it to Lye, where the driver smashed into the patrol car in a bid to escape.

A 47-year-old man, who was the passenger, was arrested on suspicion of burglary after a foot chase but the driver escaped after driving through Stevens Park in Wollescote, where the vehicle ended up in a ditch.

Police constable Jamie Follows said on the force's neighbourhood alert: "On arrival at the scene in Cradley Heath, we saw this van driving away and we began to pursue it.

"The van was driven dangerously and reversed into our police vehicle repeatedly in an attempt to escape.

"The passenger alighted the van and was arrested.

"The driver of the van continued at speed to Stevens Park, Wollescote.

"He drove through the park and abandoned the van in a ditch.

"He was chased on foot however despite our best efforts and a track by our police dog he managed to escape."

A spokesman for West Midlands Police told Black Country Live: "A 47-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary after officers were called to the Cradley Heath Labour Club on Graingers Lane, Cradley Heath, shortly before 5am today."

Stolen items in the van were recovered.