POLICE are anxious to trace a man who threatened a farmer with a gun before speeding off in a stolen car on Tuesday afternoon.

As the farmer was driving his tractor round his farm on Weaste Lane in Stockton Heath he saw the man snooping round his garden.

When he approached him and asked what he was doing, the offender jumped in a Volkswagon Golf and drove off. The farmer chased him in his tractor, and caught up when the car became stuck in mud.

When the offender was approached again, he got out of the car and threatened the farmer with a gun wrapped in a plastic bag, then sped off.

Police have traced the car, registration number L776 CBA, which was reported stolen from Manchester earlier this week, and they are keen to speak to anyone may have seen any suspicious activity around Weaste Lane on Tuesday afternoon. Call them on 652222.

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