MORE than 100 residents turned out to help detectives catch a gang of so-called thieves after a "heist" staged as part of a new TV show called Loot.

The "incident", which took place on Marage Road next to St Mary’s Church, in Thirsk, saw about ten residents who applied to be on the show “steal” £250,000 from a cash-in-transit van.

Further developments have been revealed by the show's detectives who say they have made three "arrests" in the area. A meeting was held in the town hall urging witnesses to come forward, but the detectives were left feeling rattled when an ice-cream van paid for by the “criminals”, was seen offering free ice-creams outside the meeting.

Lead detective Sue Hill, believes the "case" has left the town split and residents divided. She said: “The White Horse Bandits have created a clever ploy, giving money to the community and buying residents’ silence.

“They are re-distributing money all over the town, sending money to outlets and bookshops in the community.

“Protecting the culprits will not benefit the people of Thirsk, this is all for personal greed and is a ploy to stop people from talking."

The show has been created by Shine TV, the production company behind MasterChef and The Island with Bear Grylls. If the "thieves" can stay hidden, they get to keep the money.