RAIDERS stole agricultural fuel and spilled some into a nearby stream when they struck at a farm in North Yorkshire.

They took red diesel from a tank at Grange Farm, Topcliffe, near Thirsk, sometime between 12.30pm and 3.30pm on October 7.

Following the theft the offenders left the tap to the tank open and some of the diesel spilled out into a beck near the northbound carriageway of the A168.

Police are now appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious people or vehicles in the area around the time of the incident to get in touch.

PC Quita Passmore said: “I am appealing to any motorists to try and remember if they saw anything that stood out to them on Monday afternoon. Did you see any vehicles pulling in or out of the farm?

“I would also like to remind people that spilling diesel into waterways is very harmful for local wildlife.”

Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Quita Passmore or Thirsk police. Alternatively, information can be emailed to quita.passmore@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111.