A BMW driver who crashed into a lamppost this morning was fleeing police at the time, it has emerged.

The 27-year-old motorist was driving down Hoe Street, Walthamstow, at around 6am this morning, when he failed to stop for a police vehicle.

A short pursuit commenced up Hoe Street and ended when the BMW hit a lamppost.

The driver was taken to the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, although his injuries are now not believed to be serious.

A police spokesman confirmed the man had also been placed under arrest.

The road was shut for around six hours this morning while police carried out a forensic investigation of the scene, but it has now reopened.