DOZENS of police officers in several vehicles descended on the Hankridge retail park in Taunton yesterday (Wednesday).

Shoppers and staff working in the area were surprised by the sudden police activity.

It was all part of a check on vehicles using the location.

Working with the DVSA Enforcement unit and trading standards, police officers stopped more than 40 vehicles as part of Operation Trader.

Of those vehicles, one was removed for being "unroadworthy".

Several prohibition notices were issued, indicting that those vehicles need repair work.

"Other offences" were also dealt with.