TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of theft and causing criminal damage after a fishing boat was stolen in Poole Harbour.

Officers were assisted by the harbour master, coastguard and Poole Lifeboat Station in tracking down the vessel at 9.24am on Sunday September 19.

The pair, both aged 20 and from Poole, were found onboard the boat hiding in the cabin and have since been released under investigation.

A police spokesperson said: “Dorset Police received a report at 9.24am on Sunday September 19, that a boat had been stolen from the area of Witley Pier in Poole Harbour.

“It was reported two people were seen on the boat, which was out in the harbour.

"With assistance from the harbour master, coastguard and RNLI, officers were escorted to the boat and two men, both aged 20 and from Poole, were arrested on suspicion of theft.

“The boat was recovered, and it was reported that damage had been caused to the engine. The two men were further arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

“They have been released under investigation as officers carry out further enquiries.”