AN INVESTIGATION was launched after reports of vehicle fraud and criminal damage in North Dorset.

It is reported that two men arranged with the owners of a car for sale to view it at an address in the Charlton Marshall area of Blandford Forum at around 8.45pm on September 11.

While viewing the vehicle, one man distracted the occupants whilst the other man squirted liquid over the engine and into the coolant tank before taking it for a test drive.

When the men returned, they stated that the engine was smoking and offered to buy the car at a significantly lower price.

The owners of the vehicle declined the offer of sale and have since discovered that the cost of repair exceeds £1,000.

Now, CCTV images have been released of two men police would like to identify. 

Police Community Support Investigator Kayleigh Hole, of Blandford police, said: “Our investigation into this matter is ongoing and I am now in a position to issue CCTV images of two men we would like to identify.

“I would urge anyone with information regarding their identities to please make contact with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240144690.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.