Officers were called to Lea Quarry just before 3pm yesterday following reports three males had been seen inside, apparently loading scrap metal into a grey drop-sided van.

A 48-year-old man, a 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old youth were arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft.

They were taken into custody at Shrewsbury Police Station and interviewed before being released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The vehicle and its contents were seized by police and recovered for forensic examination.

Operation Livewire is an ongoing West Mercia Police campaign to clamp down on the theft of scrap and non-ferrous metals, which has increased in recent months in tandem with the high global value of such products.

The public is urged to report anyone they see tampering with any kind of metal, whether it is on roofs, at the roadside or within a business compound, especially during the hours of darkness.

Even if the persons involved are wearing work clothes and look official, police would rather check and it turn out to be a false alarm than deal with a high-value metal theft later.

Suspicious vehicles should also be reported to police, especially larger ones such as vans or pick-up trucks.

Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000. In an emergency or if you have evidence that there is a crime in progress, call 999.