TWO people have been arrested on suspicion of possessing firearms without a certificate and handling stolen goods.

A 53-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man were arrested following a pre-planned operation in North Dorset on the morning of Thursday, November 24. 

Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team was supported by firearms officers along with other colleagues during the operation in the Sturminster Newton area.

It related to allegations of illegal possession of a firearm and handling stolen goods. 

During searches cash, weapons and suspected stolen items were recovered.

Enquiries into the matter remain ongoing.

Police Constable Kate Schofield, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “This operation was organised as part of our ongoing commitment to relentlessly pursue reports of criminality in our rural communities.

“Through information sharing with our partners and intelligence gathering, this put us in a better position to tackle suspected offending and take decisive action against those believed to be involved.

“We will continue to respond to concerns and information received from members of our communities and would encourage anyone with information relating to these matters to please contact us.

“We would like to thank the colleagues from across the force who supported the Rural Crime Team on this operation.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220143332.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.