Three arrests over 81 air rifles stolen from lorry

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of theft after 81 air rifles were stolen from a lorry.

Essex Police has been investigating the incident since a lorry driver discovered his vehicle had been entered while parked in Paycocke Road in Basildon between 20:30 GMT on 19 February and 04:30 the following morning.

Three men in their 30s were arrested on suspicion of theft and remained in custody, the force said.

Det Ch Insp Stuart Mitchell said: "This is a significant step in our investigation into a troubling incident involving the theft of items that could present a danger in the wrong hands."

As part of the ongoing investigation, a number of simultaneous warrants were carried out at addresses in Aveley on Saturday.

Twelve air weapons were among the items seized, and inquiries are taking place to establish if they were stolen during the incident.

Mitchell said: "We are taking a thorough and determined approach, leaving no stone unturned as we work to recover all of the stolen weapons and bring those responsible to justice.

"The theft took place in a public area used frequently by lorry drivers and motorists."

The force has released images of the two types of air weapons taken and has urged anyone who comes across them for sale to get in touch.

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