POLICE used a drone to find stolen farm equipment.

Officers were called on Tuesday evening to reports of a curtain-sided lorry loading up a suspected stolen tractor in a lane near Tintinhull.

The lorry was located heading into Wiltshire on the A303 and a John Deere tractor stolen from Puckington, near Ilminster,

The driver, a 32-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of theft.

The force drone unit was then deployed to conduct a search for a second item suspected to have been stolen.

A high value Manitou telehandler was located hidden within a large hedge and has now been safety returned to its owner.

The moment the telehandler was discovered is shown in an officer's body worn video footage.

DI Scott Chadwick, investigating, said: “This is a fantastic example of how the use of technology, in combination with intelligence provided to us by the local community, can help us respond to suspected crimes in progress.

“We’re delighted to be able to return the stolen farming property to its owner so they can continue their essential work.

“We continue to urge anyone that spots any suspicious activity to report it to police on 101.

"If it is an emergency or you witness a crime in progress, please call 999.”

Anyone with information relating to this specific incident is asked to call 101, quoting reference 5220233705.

You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.