TWO men have been arrested after a vigilant farmer spotted suspicious activity on his land.

The farmer followed the two suspects into nearby fields, while another family member called police, just before 7.20am on Monday.

Police officers, including a police dog, attended and arrested two men, aged 24 and 17, from Hartlepool.

The 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and burglary.

Gloves, a spanner and a knife were seized from the 17-year-old suspect. He was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, burglary, going equipped for theft and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

Both have been released on bail while police enquiries continue and have been given bail conditions not to enter North Yorkshire for any reason, other than answering bail.

On examining the scene – a farm near Northallerton – it was established that a secure garage had been broken into, and tools and two quad bikes removed.

The quad bikes – both Honda vehicles with unique agricultural attachments – were located nearby, but unfortunately they had been damaged.