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A loaded crossbow has been recovered from the boot of a vehicle which failed to stop for a police patrol in Dunmurry on the outskirts of west Belfast.

Officers noticed the vehicle "being driven erratically" on Blacks Road at about 04:00 GMT on Friday.

The driver failed to stop for the patrol and the vehicle was then pursued by police for a short distance.

Two men then attempted to run from officers when the vehicle came to a stop but they were both caught nearby.

The crossbow was found during a subsequent search of the boot and two 35-year-old men were arrested.

One man was detained on suspicion of failing to stop for police and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving whilst unfit, driving whilst disqualified and taking a motor vehicle without authority.

The second man has been detained on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and allowing himself to be carried in a vehicle taken without authority. 

They remain in police custody.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Area Commander for West Belfast, Ch Insp Claire Hamilton said: "The vehicle was stopped before there could be serious consequences, and a dangerous weapon has been removed from our streets.

"This is an excellent example of officers on routine patrol doing what they do best - keeping people safe. "