POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a van was stolen from a Yorkshire Dales town centre.

A motorist reported that his black Ford Transit had be taken from outside a newsagent's shop in Harmby Road, Leyburn, at about 7.40am today (Thursday, December 18).

Officers conducted a search of the area but the vehicle was not found.

However, the vehicle was later spotted at about 8.30am the same morning 18 miles away in Muker, Swaledale, where the occupants were attempting to steal a water butt from a farm.

Anyone who saw the vehicle being taken or saw anyone acting suspiciously in Leyburn market place should call North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option two – and ask for Leyburn police.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800-555-111.

Please quote reference number 12140217878 when passing information about this incident.