POLICE are appealing for information following an attempted burglary which is the second crime reported at the same housing development.

The offenders attempted to gain access to a construction site on Policeman's Lane in Upton on Tuesday, January 10 at around 10.20pm.

Damage was caused to a padlock, but police have confirmed that nothing was stolen from the site of the 70-home scheme for which planning permission was granted last autumn and work then started in October.

One of the offenders was described as a man wearing a light-coloured jacket, while the second offender is described as a man wearing knee-high wellies and a light-coloured jacket.

Police Constable Mike Read of Purbeck Police said: “I would like to hear from any members of the public who saw someone acting suspiciously in the Policeman's Lane area at the time of the incident.

"This is not the first time that this construction site has been targeted. On Monday, October 17, 2016, offenders stole equipment worth approximately £10,000 from two containers on the site.

"I would also like to speak to anyone who has any information about either incident which may help me in my investigation."

A section of Policeman's Lane has been closed to traffic from Monday to the end of the month to allow a tunnel carrying a stream or open drain under the road to be installed.

It is closed between Dorchester Road and Watery Lane, although residents can still go in and out, with alternative routes being signposted.

The Wyatt Homes development, to be known as Frenches Green, will include one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as family homes ranging from two to five bedrooms.

Witnesses and anyone with information in relation to the crimes should call Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55170004854.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.