SOMERSET police have launched an appeal after a large amount of farming equipment was stolen in the county.

Witnesses are wanted for a crime that happened sometime between 10pm on Saturday, November 2 and 11am on Sunday, November 3.

A green and yellow John Deere tractor, an Ifor Williams triple-axle trailer, and a green Land Rover were stolen from two properties in Cole and Hadspen, near Bruton, Somerset.

The tractor, Land Rover and trailer were recovered by police in Hadspen on Sunday, November 3.

They have since been returned to their rightful owners.

“We have recently recovered a number of vehicles, agricultural and plant machinery and investigations are underway to identify those responsible," said Officer in the case, PC Thomas Bidwell, "In rural areas, we need the support of communities to proactively report suspicious incidents or behaviours.

"Information like this will help us to develop an intelligence picture and to target our resources where they are most required."

If you were in the area and witnessed anything suspicious, contact the Avon and Somerset Police on 101 and quote reference number 5224290466.