'Fake cop' incident in East Devon

Driver boxed in by someone claiming to be officer

A man has been arrested after a motorist was flagged down in the middle of the night by someone posing to be a police officer.

The fake cop claimed to be an off-duty detective in East Devon.

The incident is said to have taken place on the A3052 near Seaton at around 2.30 a.m. on Friday of the bank holiday weekend.

A man aged in his 30s is reported to have been driving in the Sidmouth direction when a vehicle approached from behind flashing its lights before pulling up alongside him. 

One of the two occupants of the second car allegedly claimed to be a CID officer, accusing him of ‘driving erratically’.

The victim asked to see some identification and drove off when his request was declined. 

It was reported that he was then followed by the other car, overtaken and boxed in. He subsequently managed to get away in his vehicle. 

A man aged in his forties from the Honiton area has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Police constable Sam Parfett, neighbourhood beat manager for the Seaton area, said: “This is an isolated incident and we are appealing to members of the public who may have information that could help our investigation.

“Communities should be reassured that police officers will always look to verify their identity when engaging with members of the public.

“Officers always carry identification and can always be asked for verification - they are used to providing that reassurance. Officers who are not in uniform will always present a warrant card.

“If people feel they cannot verify an officer’s identity or feel in imminent danger you must seek assistance; if that means shouting out to another member of the public, flagging a car down or dialling 999, then we would ask proportionate steps be taken.

“If police were to request that a vehicle pull over, the driver can always wait to stop in a built-up, well-lit area. 

“Anyone with immediate concerns for their safety should call 999 and speak with us if they are unsure of someone’s identity.”

Call police with information on 101, or email 101@dc.police.uk, quoting crime reference CR048031/22.