WORRIED that there was an unfamiliar car parked in the middle of the road with its lights on and engine running in the early hours of the morning outside their home, neighbours dialled 999.

Residents of Blain Place, Royal Wootton Bassett, awoke to the sound of the vehicle running shortly after 5am on Sunday with a man seen slumped over the wheel of the Mercedes Benz.

A spokeswoman for Wiltshire Police said: “We were called at 5.23am on Sunday, August 23, to Blain Place in Royal Wootton Bassett, following a report from a concerned neighbour that a vehicle had been parked in the middle of the road with the lights on and the engine running.

“The caller did not recognise the Mercedes Benz as part of their immediate community and reported it to police.

“South Western Ambulance Service were also called to the scene after the caller noticed a man slumped over the wheel inside the vehicle.

“Paramedics checked the man over.

“He then completed a road side breath test, and was arrested.

“We would like to thank the member of the public who raised their concerns regarding this incident.”

  • Paul Stonehouse, 28, from Friday Street, Swindon, has been charged with driving a motor vehicle when his breath alcohol level was above the legal limit and using a motor vehicle without third party insurance.

    He is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates' Court on September 30.