PART of Salisbury city centre was locked down this morning as a police helicopter hunted for a pair of burglars.

At approximately 12.30am this morning, officers from Wiltshire Police attempted to stop a Peugeot 307 on the A36 at Deptford.

The vehicle continued towards Salisbury and the occupants were seen to dump the car and run from the scene in the direction of Minster Street.

A police helicopter was then deployed and officers put a containment on the area.

The vehicle was recovered and a number of brand new power tools including chainsaws and other equipment, all believed to be stolen, was located inside.

Police Dog Lorrie and handler PC Ali Davies attended the scene and Lorrie located two men hidden in undergrowth in the nearby churchyard.

A 22-year-old man and a 32-year-old man, from the Southampton area, were arrested on suspicion of burglary in relation to an incident across the border in Honiton, Devon.

The 22-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of driving with no insurance.

They both remain in Melksham custody for further questioning and enquiries continue.

Insp Pete Sparrow said: “This was excellent work by all officers involved, especially Police Dog Lorrie, who located the two individuals who we now have in custody.

“We have also located a large number of garden tools which we believe have been stolen during a burglary across the border in Devon and we will be working closely with our colleagues there as we continue with our enquiries.”