A STOLEN car sparked a large police search in Hereford this afternoon.

Police were called to the Holmer Road area after a grey Audi Q7 4x4 crashed into railings at the Starting Gate roundabout.

Police on scene said they were searching for a stolen car's occupants, who are believed to have fled on foot in the Holmer Road area.

A large number of police vehicles were present, and the police helicopter was seen circling over the Special Metals Wiggin site before moving on to the Roman Road and The Furlongs area.

The crashed Audi has since been recovered.

Driver Muriel Beach said: "This stolen car came around the roundabout the wrong way, just missing me in my car as I was leaving the roundabout by the Starting Gate.

"I slammed my brakes on as it crossed my path then must have smashed into the railings as I moved off. The police car was in hot pursuit just behind it!"

Hereford Times:

Hereford Times: Police helicopter over the Holmer Road areaPolice helicopter over the Holmer Road area

Hereford Times: The crashed Audi is towed away after a police search in Holmer Road, HerefordThe crashed Audi is towed away after a police search in Holmer Road, Hereford

Hereford Times: Long traffic tailbacks formed on Holmer Road and roads leading to the Starting Gate roundabout while the car was taken awayLong traffic tailbacks formed on Holmer Road and roads leading to the Starting Gate roundabout while the car was taken away