A MAN is in custody following a ram raid at Marlborough’s Screwfix store on Sunday night.

Police were called after a car reversed into the Blenheim Road shop on March 3, at 8.45pm.

A description of the vehicle was passed to officers who traced it heading towards Swindon. The vehicle, believed to be stolen, failed to stop for officers and continued at speed before coming to a halt in Merlin Way.

A 36-year-old man from Swindon was arrested on suspicion of burglary, failing to stop and Section 4 unfit to drive through drink or drugs.

Suspected stolen power tools were found in the car and the man was taken to Gablecross Police Station for further questioning.

Sgt James Robbins said: “Thanks to the excellent and swift actions of a member of the public who was nearby at the time, officers were able to locate the damaged vehicle heading towards Swindon and eventually bring it to a stop."

He said police were keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or saw a black Vauxhall Zafira being driven in the area on Sunday.

Inspector Chris Martin, of Wiltshire East Community Policing Team, said: “Those people who think towns such as Marlborough, or rural areas of our county, are places where they can commit crime without being caught are completely mistaken.

"Our officers are committed to policing all our rural communities as well as towns such as Marlborough, and the swift arrest of the individual in this most recent case just serves to prove that we continue to have a police presence in the area and will respond to reports of crimes in progress."

He said it was vital for the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.

Police said it was an ongoing investigation and appealed for any information from the public on 101 and quote crime reference number 54190021486 or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.