An abandoned car that caused traffic jams through the centre of Twickenham for more than three days has finally been removed.

The Mercedes had been left in York Street, close to a busy junction, since Saturday morning causing exasperation for drivers and residents.

Many expressed surprise that the vehicle, which was just a few hundred yards from Richmond Council's head office and also close to Twickenham's police station, was allowed to remain in place for days.

Writing on Twitter, TV Formula 1 commentator, Tom Gaymor, complained: "This car has been abandoned at a busy London junction for THREE days now, unlocked and window open. How is that possible with terror threats, obstruction of a highway etc etc. Madness."

Credit: Tom Gaymor.

He later added: "It's unlocked and windows down, most bizarre but it's clearly obstructing a highway, causing chaos … It captured everyone's attentions not to mention all the motorists stuck in the jam."

Another person said the car had broken down in front of him on Saturday morning at about 8.30am.

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Credit: Tom Gaymor.

Parking wardens placed a number of tickets on the white Mercedes, yet it remained in place throughout the weekend and beyond.

Some people speculated that the police had left the vehicle in place because it was part of a criminal investigation. Council leader, Gareth Roberts, suggested the car was being dealt with by Sutton police.

Initially, Richmond police said they had no interest in the car, however a spokesman later confirmed it had been 'removed due to serious disruption'.

A spokesman said there was no suggestion of any link to criminal activity beyond the disruption.

Police were on the scene this morning according to images and a video of the car being removed, which was posted on Twitter by Chris Stutz,

https://twitter.com/cstutz/status/1518845301020319744

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