Police in manhunt across West Dorset countryside

Note added 10.45am Friday, February 5: Dorset Police reiterate their belief that firearms were not involved. They are still hunting for two or perhaps three men.

The account in today’s Dorset Echo of what happened at Court Farm in Buckland Newton seems the most reliable published so far. An interview with farmer Martin Perrett backtracks on stories published in the Echo on Thursday.

“Mr Perrett said it was dark with bright headlights so although he had initially thought the raiders used a firearm, police now believed it was a projectile weapon like a ‘high-powered catapult’ as no cartridges had been found.”

Update added 9am Thursday, February 4: Dorset Police are continuing to search for two or perhaps three men.

It’s now thought unlikely that firearms were involved in the initial alleged attempted burglary in Buckland Newton.

Acting on “a postive line of enquiry,” officers have searched an address in Dorchester.

The 40-year-old man arrested is from Somerset. He has been released on police bail while investigations carry on.

First report: DORSET POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward after an alleged attempted burglary on the outskirts of Buckland Newton, between Dorchester and Sherborne – with officers asking the public to look out for the men responsible.

Officers are advising members of the public that the men may be dangerous and that witnesses should not approach them, but call the police immediately on 999.

Police attended Court Farmhouse at 2am, today, Wednesday, 3 February 2010, following a report that three or four men had made off on foot after an attempted burglary.

Officers, assisted by the force helicopter and dog handlers, immediately began a search of the area.

Although no-one has been injured, it is believed that the men may have possession of a firearm. Armed officers have been deployed, as is normal in such circumstances.

The suspects were initially tracked by the force helicopter from the C12 Old Sherborne Road, across fields, in the direction of Alton Pancras.

The men were then seen in the vicinity of the B3143 – with one man being arrested in Pulham.

Officers are now following positive lines of enquiry in order to detain the remaining two or three men.

Superintendent Wes Trickey, of Dorset Police’s county division, said: “Officers continue to search for the remaining men and key areas are being contained.

“The men have been running from police for over seven hours now and they will clearly be tired, dishevelled, wet and muddy.

“I understand that these men may be wearing camouflage-style clothing and it’s also possible that they have been discarding this clothing while on the run – this will have left them inappropriately dressed for the wet weather.

“If members of the public notice anyone matching that description and anyone running, hiding or acting in a suspicious or unusual way, then I would urge them to call us straight away.

“Do not approach these men – officers are nearby and they will be able to respond immediately.

“Fortunately, the occupants of the address were not hurt during this incident – it also appears that nothing has been stolen.”

A 40-year-old man has been arrested and enquiries are ongoing.

Witnesses and anyone who sees the men who they believe to be those responsible should dial 999 immediately. Anyone else with other information about those responsible should contact Dorset Police in confidence on 01305 222 222.