Cutting gear alerts Mastin Moor resident to metal theft

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of metal theft in Derbyshire after a local resident heard cutting gear being used.

Police were called to a disused railway line at Mastin Moor, near Woodthorpe, early on Friday.

The force helicopter was used to track four men, who were taken into custody.

At about the same time, four teenagers were arrested on suspicion of stealing lead from porches at Castle Gresley, in the south of the county.

The two incidents come after Derbyshire Police launched a crackdown on metal thieves

Officers have been visiting scrap metal merchants and offering crime prevention advice at potentially vulnerable premises.

Supt Debbie Mathews, who is leading the operation, said: "We are very grateful to the people who alerted us to the suspicious behaviour.

"By acting so responsibly they gave us the opportunity to respond immediately and take action."