A MAN has been arrested after police found a large amount of suspected stolen items in a rural raid. 

Gloucestershire Constabulary and West Mercia Police executed a warrant at 'a site off the B4078 Evesham Road in Toddington' yesterday (July 11).

West Mercia Police was on site as it was suspected that a large amount of the stolen items came from West Mercia. 

The man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods. 

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "A man has been arrested after officers discovered a large quantity of suspected stolen items while executing a warrant near Cheltenham.

"The pre-planned operation happened at a site off the B4078 Evesham Road in Toddington after intelligence was gathered about stolen items being stored and sold from the location.

"Upon entry to the site a large number of items of plant machinery were located and a man aged in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods.

"Officers from the Constabulary's Vanguard team, neighbourhood policing team and Dogs Unit conducted enquiries at the site along with colleagues from the Force's vehicle examination team.

"West Mercia Police, Warwickshire Police and the National Rural Crime Unit also assisted as items are believed to relate to thefts which happened in different force areas

"Activity at the site is going to continue today (July 12) so that a number of items can be recovered and police drone footage has been released to show the scale of the operation.

"Motorists are advised that police vehicles and recovery trucks may encroach onto the B4078 Evesham Road while this takes place and they are asked to drive with caution.

"The man who was arrested has since been released on bail while enquiries continue."