Two men have been arrested after officers stopped a van on the M3 following reports it was involved in the theft of 2,300 bottles of rum worth an estimated £50,000 at Fleet Services.

We were called at 12.30am this morning (29 May) to a report of suspicious circumstances relating to a van at Fleet Services on the M3 southbound.

It was reported that a lock on a trailer of an HGV lorry had been cut and entry had been gained. Items were then reportedly placed into a van, which left the scene.

Officers deployed to the area and located the van on the M3 southbound, near J5. Officers safely used a stop stick and two of the van’s tyres were deflated.

The van was searched and officers located approximately 2,300 bottles of rum worth an estimated £50,000. All items, including the van, rum and bolt croppers, were seized.

A 33-year-old man from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, has been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and theft from a motor vehicle.

A 30-year-old man from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, has been arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, theft from a motor vehicle, using a vehicle without third party insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Both men remain in custody while our enquiries continue.