A stolen digger was chased by police after the driver turned off a main road and ploughed through fields and bushes trying to escape.

Police are appealing for witnesses after officers were called to reports of a stolen digger on the A417 near West Hendred, at about 9.50pm on Saturday.

The driver turned off the road into fields and was followed by the police helicopter from Chiltern Air Support Unit.

From the helicopter the digger was discovered alongside a hedgerow and a man spotted crawling through a field.

A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of stealing the digger from an address in Stow-on-the-Wold, and has been released on bail until May 20.

Sgt Kev Robinson, of the Chiltern Air Support Unit, said: “This incident demonstrates how the helicopter can provide specialist equipment to complement the work of officers.

“In this case we were able to track the vehicle as it travelled across the fields, meaning the officers on the ground did not have to put themselves at risk.

“This is a great example of how the different police departments can work together in an excellent piece of teamwork.”

Anyone with information should contact Gloucestershire Police on 0845 090 1234 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.