FIREARMS officers were involved in a pre-planned police operation in Sturminster Newton that ended in two people being arrested.

Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team was supported by the armed officers, as well as colleagues from the professional development unit and operations department, on Thursday morning (November 24).

They carried out arrests and a search in the Sturminster Newton area in an operation targeting allegations of illegal possession of a firearm and handling stolen goods.

During searches, a quantity of cash, weapons and suspected stolen items were recovered.

A 53-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of possessing firearms without a certificate and handling stolen goods.

Enquiries into the matter remain ongoing.

PC Kate Schofield, of the Rural Crime Team, said: “This operation was organised as part of our ongoing commitment to relentlessly pursue reports of criminality in our rural communities.

“Through information sharing with our partners and intelligence gathering, this put us in a better position to tackle suspected offending and take decisive action against those believed to be involved.

“We will continue to respond to concerns and information received from members of our communities and would encourage anyone with information relating to these matters to please contact us.

“We would like to thank the colleagues from across the force who supported the Rural Crime Team on this operation.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55220143332.

They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.