POLICE are investigating after a number of cars were driven dangerously around Dawlish Warren car park, narrowly avoiding a former mayor and a member of the public.

The incident on Friday happened directly after a meeting held with councillors, residents and traders to discuss ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour and ‘boy racers’.

Former mayor of Dawlish Anthony James has been working with residents for some time about the problems.

Cllr James, who chaired the meeting, said: ‘It was lucky no one was killed of injured.’

He said after the meeting finished, three vehicles came into the car park where they were driving dangerously.

He said: ‘The driving resulted in a risk to themselves and others.

‘On leaving the car park the first vehicle purposely drove towards myself stopping a short distance from me.

‘He then revved his engine and drove directly at me with the aim of knocking me over, my hands were slamming his bonnet to get him to stop.

‘He then swerved passed.

‘The second vehicle followed at speed, swerved at the last second, missing me by inches.

‘The third vehicle came at speed of around 40mph narrowly missing us all.’

Mobile phone and drone footage of the incident has been handed to police.

A police spokesman confirmed: ‘We were notified of reports of vehicles driving dangerously in the Dawlish Warren car park.

‘Enquiries are currently ongoing into the incident.’

The meeting had been arranged in response to lengthy problems at Dawlish Warren.

Teignbridge Council deputy leader Cllr David Palethorpe, Teignbridge Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods Suzanne Saunders and Teignbridge car parks manager Tonya Short also attended.

Cllr James explained: ‘We discussed not only the issues with the carparks but also issues of anti-social behaviour in shops and E bikes.

‘The shops are suffering from thefts of alcohol, sweets and food items and verbal abuse, threats of violence, from children and adults.

‘E bikes are being used for criminal activity, modified for higher speeds and race across the sea wall causing risks to all.’

He said the police have been very supportive and active addressing concerns.