A CAR driven by a hit and run motorist struck a pedestrian outside a pub in Taunton town centre and then ploughed into a lamppost less than a mile away.

In the first incident, the car hit the pedestrian in North Street, near the entrance to Mambo.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and later released.

Shortly afterwards, the vehicle collided with the lamppost in Wellington Road.

Police say a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and dangerous driving in connection with the incidents.

After the man was interviewed by officers, he was released under investigation.

Officers are continuing their enquiries.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson told the County Gazette today (Sunday, March 6): “At round 2am yesterday, officers in Taunton arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of drink driving and dangerous driving after a car collided with a pedestrian on North Street before later striking a lamppost on Wellington Road.

“The pedestrian, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

“The arrested man has since been released under investigation and enquiries are ongoing.”