A woman driver who held her estranged boyfriend against his will in her car as she drove “recklessly at high speed” across four counties - threatening a number of times to crash -was arrested through the skill of a communications operator.

The incident began when a South Wales woman called Dyfed-Powis Police on 19th June saying she was very concerned for the safety of her son who was a passenger in a car being driven by his estranged girlfriend.

“The driver was refusing to stop to let the young man out of the car and was driving recklessly at high speed, threatening to crash the vehicle,” said Ch. Supt. Jane Horwood, head of policing in South Worcestershire.

“The car was passing through the West Mercia area when the call was made and it appeared that the couple were having a very fraught domestic argument.”

Communications Operator Carolyn Kelly took control of the incident and from her enquiries managed contact the driver on her mobile phone - and record both the conversation and the exchanges between the driver and passenger.

“Eventually, on the pretext of trying to give directions, Carolyn managed to glean sufficient information to plot the vehicle’s route - enabling Warwickshire police officers to catch up with them, arrest the driver and rescue the young man,” added Ch. Supt. Horwood.

“Carolyn retained control of the incident for some considerable time, remaining calm and professional throughout. Through her skill, professionalism, perseverance and excellent communication skills - over a prolonged period - a situation that could have ended in tragedy, was brought to a safe conclusion, enabling officers to arrest the offender and release the victim.”

Mrs Kelly was awarded a South Worcestershire divisional commendation for her outstanding management of an incident of false imprisonment.

• After investigation by Warwickshire Police, no further action was taken against the woman driver.