Pictured: Car which was left dangling on a cliff edge by motorist, 26, who 'had stolen the vehicle and crashed it while driving without a licence'

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A man has been arrested after he crashed a car he had allegedly stolen, leaving it balancing precariously on the edge of a cliff. 

Police were called on Sunday after they received reports of a road traffic collision on the Isle of Wight. 

The white Ford Mondeo left the road in the Compton area of the Isle of Wight and was at risk of tumbling into the sea. 

Fortunately for the occupant, the car came to a halt before the edge of the cliff. 

Witnesses helped the man from the car before he was arrested by police on suspicion of stealing the car as well as driving without a valid licence or insurance. 

A suspected car thief almost plunged off the edge of a cliff after losing control of the Ford Mondeo in Compton, Isle of Wight on Sunday, pictured

The car left the carriage way around 3.45pm near Military Road on the island's west coast

Hampshire Constabulary said: 'We were called to a concern for the welfare of a man near Military Road at about 3.45pm on 2 April.

'This involved a white Ford Mondeo near a cliff edge.

'The occupant of the vehicle was assisted by members of the public.

'Following enquiries, officers arrested a 26-year-old man from Newport on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

'He has been released on police bail.'

Witnesses assisted the man before police arrived and arrested him on suspicion of theft

The 26-year-old suspect was released on police bail while enquiries into the incident continue

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