INNERLEITHEN was brought to a standstill this morning after cops were forced to close off streets as they tackled a maniac behind the wheel.

It is alleged a local man attempted to ram a patrol car in his Subaru Impretza just after 3am.

Following a pursuit the 47-year-old is also said to have switched vehicles and again attempted to drive into other police cars.

The man is also alleged to have wielded a blowtorch and attempted to set fire to other vehicles during the incident.

Weapons and drugs were later recovered.

A police spokesman said: "A 47-year-old man has been detained by police in the Scottish Borders following a disturbance in Innerleithen.

"Officers carried out a search of two vehicles that were stopped in High Street and Buccleugh Street and recovered two knives along with a quantity of drugs.

"A number of vehicles, including police cars were damaged during this incident.

"The male is currently assisting police with their enquiries."