POLICE have seized a BMW at a charity car meet in Andover after the driver allegedly made off from officers through red lights.

They added that the fire service were even called to the smell of burning at the event.

Hampshire Constabulary were called to the charity car meet in the Wickes car park off Northern Avenue yesterday evening.

They said that most people attending "were friendly and enjoying their cars in a safe and considerate way", but that a "small minority decided to use their vehicles in an anti-social manner".

Posting to Facebook, Test Valley Cops said that one driver performed a burnout in the car park before making off from police through red traffic lights.

The vehicle was seized, with police appealing to the driver on social media: "If you’re wondering where your car has gone, don’t worry, it’s safe with us.

"We would just like to catch up and chat about the manner of your driving."

The full post from Test Valley police late on Sunday read: "We were made aware of an organised, static car meet for charity at Wickes car park this evening and upon patrolling, we found most attendees were friendly and enjoying their cars in a safe and considerate way.

"Sadly, a small minority decided to use their vehicles in an anti-social manner and even [Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service] were called because of a smell of burning!

"We won’t tolerate a dangerous or anti-social use of the roads.

"One driver decided to make off from officers through red traffic lights after performing a burnout in the car park.

"To said driver: if you’re wondering where your car has gone, don’t worry, it’s safe with us. We would just like to catch up and chat about the manner of your driving."

Police in Basingstoke recently stepped up patrols around the town after reports of car meets that could see more than 100 attendees causing nuisance to residents.