THREE people have been arrested in connection with a series of burglary incidents in the Yorkshire dales.

A woman and two men were arrested on Tuesday following a police search sparked by a report of a vehicle hitting a house in Askrigg.

They were later arrested on suspicion of two attempted burglaries and one burglary of a business premises in Hawes, which all happened overnight between Monday, November 16 and Tuesday, November 17.

The house in Moor Road was struck by a passing white Ford Transit panel van pulling a mini digger on a trailer at about 8.40pm on Tuesday.

The transit van, trailer and digger were abandoned at the scene.

No-one was hurt in the collision and minor damage was caused to the property.

Following further enquiries and an area search, officers spotted a red Vauxhall Astra saloon car on the A684 at Swinithwaite at 9.45pm.

It was followed and stopped at 10.15pm on the Leyburn Road at Catterick Garrison.

The 26-year-old woman driving the car, along with a 37-year-old man and a 22-year-old man, all from the Durham area, were initially arrested in relation to the minor collision.

However, while in custody, they were further arrested in connection with two attempted burglaries and one burglary at business premises in the Hawes area overnight between Monday, November 16 and Tuesday, November 17.

The suspects have been released on conditional police bail to the end of December while the investigation continues.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the incidents are asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or make a report online via crimestoppers-uk.org. Please quote reference number 12200208670 when providing details.