'Wannabe Vin Diesel' has car seized at illegal meet

A driver had his Volkswagen car seized for trying to block a road at an illegal car cruise.

Leicestershire Police said it had received intelligence that a large group was planning to gather in Castle Donington on Saturday night which "proved correct" and its officers intercepted and dispersed a number attempting to drag race in the village.

One vehicle was seized, said Valley Beat officers, after a driver "decided it would be a good idea to block the road, seemingly trying to recreate a scene from Fast & Furious".

PCSO Mike Walker added: "Unfortunately for him, he was no Vin Diesel and instead found himself on the receiving end of a vehicle seizure and a fine."

Officers said a "significant amount of footage" was obtained and using vehicle details drivers involved "can expect further action, including fines".

Car cruising and dangerous driving has been an issue in Castle Donington for years, with measures including CCTV and ANPR installed in 2012 to curb the problem.

A Public Spaces Protection Order was introduced in 2021 for parts of the village to tackle gatherings, which was then extended to cover all of Castle Donington and Hemington in 2024.

Enforcement action such as Saturday night's operation has taken place routinely since.

Walker said: "Whilst we understand that events like this may seem fun at the time, when things go wrong, they go seriously wrong.

"I found myself trying to keep a spectator alive on the side of Arundel Avenue after a car cruise ended in disaster.

"The consequences of these events are very real, and the risk to life cannot be ignored. This behaviour will not be tolerated on our roads."

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