A SCRAPMAN’S lorry has been towed away by police follow complaints from the public.

Officers took action at the rear of Palmerston Street, in Consett, following reports that a man had been spotted removing a chair from a garden and placing it on the rear of a van.

Three men, aged 18, 20 and 29, from Easington, were arrested on Thursday (December 18)

Inspector Keith Wardle, of Consett Police, said: “The vehicle was seized as it had allegedly been used in the commission of a criminal offence.

“All three were interviewed and bailed pending further enquiries into three thefts and an offence of not possessing the correct licences to collect and transport scrap.”

Earlier this year, police took a day of action tackling scrap dealers in the neighbouring village of Leadgate.

As well as targeting illegal metal merchants they also stopped drivers suspected of using red diesel.

Operation Golden Glow was organised after police carried out a door-to-door survey to find out which issues concerned residents the most.

Community police officers were joined by Durham County Council neighbourhood wardens, customs officers and benefits fraud investigators.

Police are encouraging people with concerns about scrap men operating illegal in County Durham to call them on 101.