A trio have been arrested with ‘metal detectors and artefacts’ near Stonehenge.
Police were called to reports of suspicious activity in Countess Road, Amesbury, in the early hours of this morning (Saturday).
The trio fled from officers on their arrival, and searches were carried out – utilising the National Police Air Service helicopter from Bristol.
All suspects were soon arrested on the A303 near the Countess service station.
They are being held in custody on suspicion of nighthawking and going equipped to steal.
A number of items were located with the males, including suspected historical artefacts, metal detectors and metal detecting equipment – all of which have been seized.
In an explainer, a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “Nighthawking is the illegal search for, and removal of antiquities from the ground using metal detectors, without the permission of the landowners, or on prohibited land such as Scheduled Monuments.
“Nighthawking is therefore theft and a rural crime in which Wiltshire Police are committed to bringing those who commit this crime, to justice.”
