Pair arrested over sheep butchery in Northamptonshire after police find 'offence in progress'

Officers responding to a report of suspicious activity in a field near Welford discovered an offence in progress and went on to stop a vehicle on the A14 shortly after 1am this morning (Monday, October 7).

Two Birmingham men aged 23 and 35 were arrested on suspicion of theft and criminal damage - both remain in custody this afternoon.

The stopped vehicle was seized by officers and will undergo forensic examination, a police spokesman said.

Operation Stock is the Northamptonshire Police investigation into reports of illegal sheep butchery and theft that have plagued the county and neighbouring forces this year.