POLICE have released video footage showing them following a BMW at 146mph early yesterday.

The Tri-Force officers can be seen following the black BMW being driven by Billy James Rich, 23, of The Green, Highworth, on the A350 shortly after midnight yesterday.

Rich overtook an unmarked police vehicle at speed and continued on the M4, reaching 146mph.

He was stopped travelling eastbound between junction 17 (Chippenham) and junction 16 (West Swindon).

Rich was charged with drink-driving and speeding.

He pleaded guilty to the charges Swindon Magistrates' Court yesterday and was disqualified from driving for 22 months, fined £692, and ordered to pay £69 victim surcharge and Crown Prosecution Costs of £85.

PC Andy Lee, of the Tri-Force Roads Policing Unit, said: “The speed limit is there for a reason. Not only did this driver reach completely unacceptable speeds, he had also been drinking.

"He clearly had no consideration for others and his actions put himself, other drivers and road users in danger.

“Please think before you get behind the wheel – if you are going to flout the law with behaviour like this, you will be caught, arrested and prosecuted. Nothing is worth taking the risk.”

Anyone who has concerns about someone they believe may be drink or drug driving, call police on 101 and give as many details as possible, such as vehicle details and direction of travel.

If a driver is posing an imminent danger you should call 999.