A TAXI passenger got the ride of his life when his driver interrupted the journey to help a police officer chase a suspected drug dealer.

The driver spotted the officer chasing a man and helped by giving him a lift through the streets of Hove.

With the passenger on board, he drove the officer to Rutland Road, Hove, where the officer caught the suspect.

He and his passenger then checked the officer was ok, before continuing their journey.

It started on July 29 after officers stopped a car in Cowper Street at around 11.30pm - about one-third of a mile from Rusper Road.

Officers believed the car was carrying drugs - and they subsequently found huge amounts of cocaine inside.

One man was detained in the car by an officer, but a second man ran away and was chased by sergeant Andy Newman.

Sgt Newman now wants to find the driver so he can thank him.

He said: "I was on my own with a suspect so I was gutted that I didn't get a chance to get the details of those who assisted me as I would like to thank them for their actions.

"It is fantastic to know that we have support from the public."

A 31-year-old man from Hove has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cocaine, supplying cocaine, possession of criminal property and being carried in a motor vehicle without the owner's consent.

A 62-year-old Portslade man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of cocaine and possession with intent to supply cocaine.

They have been released on bail until October 11.

The taxi driver or passenger is asked to contact police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or ring 101 quoting serial 1709 of 29/07.