Stolen fire engine lands in field

A fire engine was stolen from a fire station and driven along country roads before crashing through a hedge and into a field, say police.

The appliance, belonging to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, was taken from Tenbury Wells before midnight on Wednesday.

Traffic police gave chase along the A456, near Burford.

A 20-year-old man from Tenbury Wells was arrested on suspicion of taking a fire engine without consent.

It was only on the road for a few minutes before the driver lost control Sgt John Evans, of Ludlow police

Police say a man is believed to have broken into the premises and driven off through the front door into Shropshire towards Ludlow.

The 12-tonne vehicle, with full rescue equipment and 400 gallons of water on board, travelled four or five miles at high speed before the driver lost control and crashed near a crossroads, police say.

The man was taken to hospital in Kidderminster for treatment for slight cuts.

A spokesman for the fire service said an investigation had been launched and an appliance from their reserve fleet would be used while repairs to the smashed windscreen and damaged bodywork were carried out.

Sgt John Evans, of Ludlow police, said: "Fortunately, no-one was hurt in this incident.

"West Mercia Police officers followed at a safe distance as the engine was driven towards Ludlow.

"It was only on the road for a few minutes before the driver lost control."

Tenbury Wells is in Worcestershire, by the border with Herefordshire and Shropshire.