Dozens of suspected stolen fuel containers found inside van during 'routine' A1 stop near Catterick Garrison

A routine stop on the A1(M) near Catterick Garrison has led to two arrests after officers uncovered dozens of fuel containers and equipment suspected of being linked to fuel theft.

At around 11pm on Thursday October 1, officers were on patrol when they stopped a silver Mercedes Sprinter van.

Roadside checks quickly revealed that the driver was disqualified from driving until March 2027, North Yorkshire Police said.

A strong smell of fuel was coming from the vehicle.

When officers searched the van, they found around 40 large fuel containers in the rear, along with piping and gloves.

Although the containers appeared to be empty, there was still a strong smell of fuel inside the rear of the van.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified, and both men were arrested on suspicion of going equipped to steal.

They currently remain in police custody, police confirmed.

They were taken into custody for questioning and the van was seized as part of the investigation.

Enquiries into the incident remain ongoing, police said.