VILLAGERS in West Milton near Bridport are stepping carefully after a spate of mystery defecations.
VILLAGERS in West Milton near Bridport are stepping carefully after a spate of mystery defecations.
DOWN HERE in deepest Dorset a new type of crime has baffled police and criminologists – shed rustling.
Note added 10.45am Friday, February 5: Dorset Police reiterate their belief that firearms were not involved. They are still hunting for two or perhaps three men.
The account in today’s Dorset Echo of what happened at Court Farm in Buckland Newton seems the most reliable published so far. An interview with farmer Martin Perrett backtracks on stories published in the Echo on Thursday.
“Mr Perrett said it was dark with bright headlights so although he had initially thought the raiders used a firearm, police now believed it was a projectile weapon like a ‘high-powered catapult’ as no cartridges had been found.”
Update added 9am Thursday, February 4: Dorset Police are continuing to search for two or perhaps three men.
It’s now thought unlikely that firearms were involved in the initial alleged attempted burglary in Buckland Newton.
Acting on “a postive line of enquiry,” officers have searched an address in Dorchester.
The 40-year-old man arrested is from Somerset. He has been released on police bail while investigations carry on.
First report: DORSET POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward after an alleged attempted burglary on the outskirts of Buckland Newton, between Dorchester and Sherborne – with officers asking the public to look out for the men responsible.
Officers are advising members of the public that the men may be dangerous and that witnesses should not approach them, but call the police immediately on 999.
Police attended Court Farmhouse at 2am, today, Wednesday, 3 February 2010, following a report that three or four men had made off on foot after an attempted burglary.
Officers, assisted by the force helicopter and dog handlers, immediately began a search of the area.
Although no-one has been injured, it is believed that the men may have possession of a firearm. Armed officers have been deployed, as is normal in such circumstances.
The suspects were initially tracked by the force helicopter from the C12 Old Sherborne Road, across fields, in the direction of Alton Pancras.
The men were then seen in the vicinity of the B3143 – with one man being arrested in Pulham.
Officers are now following positive lines of enquiry in order to detain the remaining two or three men.
Superintendent Wes Trickey, of Dorset Police’s county division, said: “Officers continue to search for the remaining men and key areas are being contained.
“The men have been running from police for over seven hours now and they will clearly be tired, dishevelled, wet and muddy.
“I understand that these men may be wearing camouflage-style clothing and it’s also possible that they have been discarding this clothing while on the run – this will have left them inappropriately dressed for the wet weather.
“If members of the public notice anyone matching that description and anyone running, hiding or acting in a suspicious or unusual way, then I would urge them to call us straight away.
“Do not approach these men – officers are nearby and they will be able to respond immediately.
“Fortunately, the occupants of the address were not hurt during this incident – it also appears that nothing has been stolen.”
A 40-year-old man has been arrested and enquiries are ongoing.
Witnesses and anyone who sees the men who they believe to be those responsible should dial 999 immediately. Anyone else with other information about those responsible should contact Dorset Police in confidence on 01305 222 222.
WHEN thieves struck at Elwell Farm on Friday night and stole four saddles and a bridle, children from across Bridport were nearly deprived of their weekend riding lessons.
But riding instructor Veronica Leatherdale and her pupils were too resourceful to be beaten by such meanness. They all had their lessons – riding bareback without saddles.
‘The children were the real stars,’ said Veronica, who teaches children and adults to ride in Waytown on her selection of horses and ponies.
‘It was a complete nightmare – I had all four ponies ready and at quarter to nine I went to get their tack and the saddles were gone. What could I do? I had the first children coming at nine and I didn’t want to let them down.’
So Veronica forged ahead and the children really enjoyed it. Altogether, 17 youngsters aged from four to 13 had their lessons without saddles.
‘Riding bareback was very fun,’ said Dorothy, aged five.
‘I rode Blaze and her back was very furry and soft. But we could only walk. I was very cross and angry about the saddles and sad for Veronica.’
On Sunday, Linda Paget from the Shipton Riding Club, came to the rescue and loaned two saddles.
‘I’m so grateful to Linda and to everybody who’s rallied round,’ said Veronica.
‘My saddles aren’t really worth very much to anybody else, but to me it’s devastating. They were tailored to fit my ponies and it will be difficult to get exact replacements.’
Veronica’s now restocking for next weekend. She’s determined to carry on as usual.