A man was arrested after police discovered a stolen vehicle with a cloned number plate.

Officers from Dorset Police Rural Crime Team undertook a proactive vehicle stop in Spetisbury and after a roadside examination found the vehicle to be stolen with cloned plates.

A man was arrested and has since been released under investigation.

Following that incident, the team had received reports of poaching in the area of East Morden.

Three people were stopped and searched and after that officers stopped yet another vehicle which led to the occupants fleeing the scene.

The vehicle was confirmed to have been stolen from the day before and was subsequently seized.

Officers also recounted that various fields in the area had been driven through and gates rammed into which had caused substantial damage.

The matter remains under police investigation.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police Rural Crime Team said: “It was a busy shift for our officers. The first incident involved a proactive vehicle stop in Spetisbury.

“A roadside examination found the van to be on cloned registration plates and stolen. One male was arrested and has been released under investigation.

“The second incident involved reports of Poaching in the East Morden area involving multiple vehicles. Three persons were stop and searched following a vehicle stop

“Officers intercepted another vehicle which led to the occupants decamping and fleeing the scene. This vehicle was confirmed as stolen from the day before and seized.

“Various fields in the area have been driven through and gates have been rammed causing substantial damage. The matter remains under investigation.”