TWO crashes more than 10 miles apart have sparked an investigation after police suspect the same car was involved.

The first crash was in Yeovil last Friday and saw a pensioner rushed to hospital.

The second was two hours later in Crewkerne, when a car crashed into a shop on fire.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We are seeking witnesses to two road traffic collisions – that we believe involved the same car – in Somerset last week.

“The first call we received was at 9.50pm on Friday, February 28, to reports of a collision between a car and a pedestrian in Glenthorne Avenue, Yeovil.

“The vehicle, a light-coloured Volkswagen Beetle, failed to stop at the scene.

“The pedestrian, a 69-year-old man, was taken to hospital by paramedics after suffering a head and arm injury.”

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

A second collision was reported in Severalls Park Avenue, in Crewkerne, at about 12.10am the next morning.

They added: “A light green Volkswagen Beetle crashed into a building and was on fire. The driver was not at the scene when officers arrived.

“A 30-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, failure to stop after an accident and assaulting a police officer.

“A 28-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of failing to stop after an accident.”

Both have been released under investigation.

Police ask anybody who witnessed the incidents to call 101 and quote reference number 5220049452.

Fire engines from Crewkerne, Beaminster and Yeovil were also sent to Severalls Park at around 12.10am on February 29.

A fire service spokesman said: “There was a fear that the shop premises may also become involved in fire.

“Upon arrival this was found to be a car that had been driven into the shop premises and was well alight. Damage to premises was just a broken shop window and some slight smoke logging within.”

Crews ensured the shop was clear and then got to work extinguishing the vehicle fire.