The following people were sentenced at Northampton Magistrates’ Court:

OCTOBER 28

Charles Nana Acheampong, aged 31, of East Oval, Northampton, driving while not wearing a seat belt; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.



Steven James Frank Allen, aged 33, of Compton Way, Earls Barton, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.



Adrian Anderson, aged 28, of Low Greeve, Northampton, driving at 50mph in a 30mph zone; fined £440, surcharge £44, costs £85, licence endorsed with four points.



Lynette Rebecca Atkins, aged 35, of The Furrows, Moulton, driving at 39mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.



Nathan Atkins, aged 36, of Prince Street, Earls Barton, failed to give information relating to the identity of a driver; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.



Alinnicolae Nicolae Balan, aged 24, of St Edmunds Road, Northampton, driving while not wearing a seat belt; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.



Lord Banahene, aged 49, of Wade Meadow Court, Northampton, driving at 84mph in a 70mph zone; fined £146, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.



Daniel Beasley, aged 37, of Brookes Mews, Earls Barton, driving at 75mph in a 40mph zone; fined £700, surcharge £70, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.



Patrick Behan, aged 57, of Chaucer Street, Northampton, driving while using a mobile phone; fined £146, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.



Joy Sandra Broadbent, aged 54, of Wantage Road, Northampton, failed to identify a driver accused of an offence; fined £152, surcharge £32, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.



Nicholas Paul Charlton, aged 32, of Gibbsacre Court, Northampton, driving at 47mph in a 40mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.



Tanya Charter, aged 36, of Bants Lane, Northampton, driving at 37mph in a 30mph zone; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85, licence endorsed with three points.



Elizabeth Cummings, aged 31, of Pound Lane, Bugbrooke,  driving at 66mph in a 40mph zone; fined £386, surcharge £38, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.



Andrei Popa, aged 25, of Stimpson Avenue, Northampton, no car insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.



Natasha Louise Puka, aged 49, of Coppice Drive, Northampton, driving without a seat belt; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.



Gabriel Raducanu, aged 33, of Baker Street, Northampton, driving while not wearing a seat belt; fined £220, surcharge £30, costs £85.


Adrian Rapkin, aged 59, of Belstead Road, Northampton,  driving at 70mph in a 40mph zone; fined £913, surcharge £91, costs £85, licence endorsed with six points.



Dumitru Sanduianu, aged 45, of Willow Brook Square, Northampton, no insurance; fined £660, surcharge £66, costs £85, licence six points.

More than 25 players visited wards and departments including the A&E department, Esther White and Walter Tull wards, the oncology department, Haematology, Chemotherapy, Talbot Butler ward and the children’s wards, Disney and Paddington. Here they spent a few hours chatting with patients and handing out Christmas presents, as part of the Travis Perkins Big Christmas Toy Appeal.
Sue Faulkner, play service coordinator at the hospital, thanked the team for their donations. She said: “We would like to thank Northampton Saints, Travis Perkins and all of those who donated to the toy appeal for their kindness.
"We are so grateful for the donations we receive and these gifts will help to brighten up Christmas for the children who are staying with us during the festive season. The children and young adults always enjoy these visits and their time spent with the players."
During the visit the team also spent time with patients who were undergoing treatment in the chemotherapy and haematology suites. These treatments typically take a long while so having a visit helped to break up the day for patients.
Wendy Smith, Macmillan information and support lead, was delighted to welcome the players back to the hospital again this year. She added: “Patients and relatives really enjoy the players visiting. One highlight was when Debbie, one of our chaperones, went back to the ward to see a patient still looking at her photos on her phone with a big grin. We saw a lot of patients and families smile that day."
Siobhan Abrahams, advanced clinical pharmacist in A&E and urgent care, was on hand to help with the visit and also saw the positive impact the visit had on patients.
“During the visit the players asked me why the patients in the chemotherapy and haematology suites were so cheerful when they were so ill and I was able to tell them that part of the reason was down to them.
"Being in hospital for treatment can be boring as these patients especially can be here for hours during their treatment.
"Having that visit not only brightens their day for the time that the players are there but also gives them something new to talk about for the rest of the day."

The incident happened on Saturday night when a woman was stabbed near St George’s Way at about 8.30pm.

Sadly, and despite the best efforts of paramedics, she died at the scene.

A 27-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy were both arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with this incident.

The 13-year-old was released by police with no further action last night (Sunday).

A second 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody along with the other 27-year-old.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Pete Long, said: “This was an extremely tragic incident in which a young woman has lost her life and I want to reassure people that we are doing all we can to bring those responsible to justice.

“A large team of detectives have been working on this case around the clock and a number of lines of enquiry are being pursued as part of this fast-paced investigation.

“This incident has really shocked the Rushden community, many of whom were on the scene last night, and I would ask anyone who was there and saw what happened to please come forward with your information. Likewise, if anyone has any information about last night’s events or any dashcam footage of the area at the time, please come forward.

“Anyone with information can contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.”

Northamptonshire’s mental health service provider has carried out an immediate review of a unit people sectioned by police are taken to, after criticism from inspectors.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) found during a one day well-led inspection in October that Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust’s (NHFT) 136 suite at the Berrywood Hospital in Duston was not up to national guidelines.

A 136 suite is where people detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act by the police on concerns they are suffering from a mental disorder are taken. Once in the suite, the person is assessed to establish whether they need treatment.

The CQC also said in a letter from head of hospital inspections Julie Meikle to NHFT that it had concerns about the high numbers of restraint and prone restraints its staff were carrying out. This follows similar concerns made by inspectors last year. In 2014 the Government said restraint was an ‘outdated practice’ and issued new guidance to reduce its use.

A final report from the CQC is due to be published soon.

A spokesman for NHFT, which also runs a second 136 site at St Mary’s Hospital in Kettering, said: “Whilst we wait to receive the final report and its publication NHFT, as part of its learning culture and commitment to patient safety, have immediately commenced a review of our 136 suites to benchmark them against best practice and national guidance to highlight areas of learning.”

The organisation said it was committed to reducing restraint and regularly scrutinised its use. The numbers of restraints used are not publicly available but an inspection by the CQC in June last year stated that 56 percent of all recorded restraints between December 2017 and 2018 were face down (prone restraints) and that 96 percent of prone restraints by NHFT related to administration of rapid tranquillisation or safe seclusion exits.

From the latest visit CQC inspectors said: “We were concerned about high numbers of restraint and prone restraint. We saw evidence of how the board have scrutinised data in this area, and how the board have taken a reasoned response to address this. However, we would expect the trust to give further consideration to the actions required to decrease levels of restraint.”

NHFT says it has developed a reduction strategy which includes introducing seclusion pods into wards and equipping staff with body worn cameras.

It said: “In 2018 the CQC rated us as ‘Outstanding’ overall with a ‘Good’ in safety. Since that time we have continued on our journey of continuous improvement with a particular focus on safety. We are confident with the direction we are travelling in and will proactively review and adopt recommendations highlighted in the CQC inspection report once published.”

The CQC was complimentary about the clarity of culture and leadership in the organisation, said there were many examples of quality improvement and was impressed how NHFT celebrated success.

Cobblers skipper Charlie Goode was both frustrated but also upbeat following his side's performance during Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Exeter City.

Goode broke the deadlock with a well-taken first-half strike at St James Park but City fought back through goals from Randall Williams, Alex Fisher and Aaron Martin.

Sam Hoskins' late strike was nothing more than a consolation and afterwards Goode admitted to being frustrated at the manner of Exeter's goals.

He said: "We'll look at the goals we conceded and we'll try and get better but we showed a lot of character towards the end and at 3-2 I thought we'd get something from the game.

"All the goals have come from set-pieces and that's something we're normally really good at, both for and against us.

"I think we switched off from the short corner and that's not usually us so we're frustrated, but we'll analyse those little errors and I'm sure we'll come back a lot stronger."

The defeat ended Town's unbeaten run but Goode felt the way in which his side pushed their second-placed hosts all the way shows improvement.

He added: "The second-half the fans really got behind them and we knew it would be a tough place to play but to be honest I thought we matched them all over, aside from that mad five minutes when we conceded two goals.

"Take that out of the game and we were a match for them, but we've been on a really good run and we've come up against a team fighting in the same area of the table as us and I think we showed we're a very good team in this league."

Cobblers were staring down the barrel of a potentially heavy defeat when Exeter scored twice in two minutes, however they responded well to dominate the last 20 minutes and nearly pinch something out of the game.

Goode continued: "At 3-1 we were very disappointed because they scored two quick goals, but we kept repeating that there were 20 minutes left and that's a long time in football.

"When Hosko scored his goal I fancied us to go and get something, but as we've spoken about in the changing room, probably two months ago we might have gone on to lose that game by four or five.

"But we've got a bit more character now and we're playing a way that's working for us and we went right until the end. On another day, we might have nicked something."

Jonny Sexton has been ruled out of Saturday's return game against Saints due to the injury he picked up at Franklin's Gardens last weekend.

The Leinster and Ireland fly-half was forced off five minutes into the second half with a knee problem and will play no part in the second leg of the Champions Cup double-header.

Ross Byrne came on for Sexton last weekend and enjoyed a successful cameo, scoring two minutes after being introduced and also adding two conversions to his team's tally.

And Byrne looks likely to deputise at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.

James Ryan could also be missing for Leinster as the Ireland lock is now following concussion protocols after leaving the field at the Gardens before full-time.

Joe Tomane did not play last weekend and the centre will be unavailable on Saturday as he has re-aggravated his hamstring injury.

Rory O’Loughlin is another player ruled out as he continues his rehab following a shoulder injury.

But Peter Dooley and Seán Cronin have returned to full training following knee and neck injuries respectively.

There was no update on long-term absentees Vakh Abdaladze (back), Jack Conan (foot), Barry Daly (knee) and Dan Leavy (knee).

The streets in Northampton with the highest reports of anti-social behaviour have been revealed in the latest police figures.

These figures are based on crimes in October 2019, the latest information available from police.uk. In this period there were 143 anti-social behaviour crimes across Northampton. Listed are the 10 streets with the most reported crimes. Images are for illustrative purposes only.

Speaking at a press briefing at the scene, Superintendent Dennis Murray said police believe two vehicles, a black Volkswagen polo and a white Vauxhall van, were involved in the incident where a 25-year-old woman, named locally as Levi Davis, was killed at around 8.30pm.

The two vehicles were recovered from nearby Washbook Road on Sunday.

Superintendent Murray said: "We believe there was some sort of altercation between people in those vehicles prior to the incident here [in Wellingborough Road]."

Superintendent Murray said he could not say if the vehicles crashed, but said: "they came into contact in some way."

Police believe the altercation between the people in the vehicles happened before the woman was stabbed by St George's Way in Wellingborough Road at around 8.30pm.

Superintendent Murray said: "It is unclear about what happened before.

"If anybody saw anything, I would ask them to contact us."

Superintendent Murray said it was his understanding that the woman was injured outside of a vehicle.

The woman was injured and died on the scene by St George's Way in Wellingborough Road.

She is being named locally as mother-of-two Levi Davis, but Superintendent Murray said formal identification was yet to take place.

Police have arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of murder. He is currently being treated in hospital after a serious assault by another 27-year-old man, who has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Superintendent Murray said police believe those involved knew each other.

The assault is said to have taken place before the stabbing.

A 13-year-old boy who had been arrested on suspicion of murder was released yesterday (Sunday) evening and Superintendent Murray said their inquiries had satisfied police that the boy had no involvement.

An address further up the road was being forensically searched by police earlier today, and Superintendent Murray said the house was believed to be linked to the investigation.

Superintendent Murray said his thoughts and best wishes went out to the family of the victim and said: "We offer our sincere condolences

He also spoke to reassure the public and said they believed this was an isolated event. He said anyone with any concerns should speak to officers, who would be increasing their patrols in the area.

He said: "Let police do what they need to do. I would ask people not to speculate."

Anyone with any information can contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111

The white vehicle was taken from Broadway East, Abington, at around 6.40pm on Friday (December 6).

It was last seen being driven in the direction of The Headlands pub.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

The Town captain netted at Bradford City early in the campaign but has since fallen behind fellow central defenders Scott Wharton and Jordan Turnbull, who have four apiece.

Goode was back on target at St James Park, however, when drilling a low shot into the bottom corner on 33 minutes.

He said: "I'd like to call it a clean finish! My first touch wasn't great and I had to stretch a bit but it was a relief when it went in.

"Jordan and Scotty have been brilliant in front of goal this season - they've got four goals each - and I've been well overdue another one.

"Some of the staff and a few of the players said they fancied me to score on Saturday and I fancied it myself and luckily I got one."

Goode's goal owed to the tenacious work of Alan McCormack who won two challenges before the ball fell to Nicky Adams to cross.

"You'll see that from Macca probably four or five times a game at least," Goode added. "He gets around the pitch so well and he's vital for us, as you can see from our recent results.

"He's been so important for our little springboard up the division and it was brilliant from him to help set up the goal."

On Sam Hoskins' tremendous late goal, Goode said: "Hosko gives 100 per cent every week.

"He works so hard for the team and now he's adding goals and assists to his game this season so he's going really well and he's a massive part for us."

We’ve got our top finalists for the Chip Shop Of The Year 2019 and now the competition is all about finding out who will be number one.

You’ve given us ten mouth-watering candidates and now it’s time to ensure your favourite nets the top spot.

What is it about your favourite that keeps you going back for more?

The food, obviously, will have a massive say. Is it a signature fish dish exclusive to them?

What about the service and the welcome you receive? Or perhaps it’s that you just know that pound for pound, the value you get at your favourite just can’t be

beaten?

So who do you want to win? To vote from the list, simply return the coupon printed in the current edition of the Northampton Chron.

Terms and conditions apply.

The finalists

1. Andrew’s Fast Food Emporium, Weston Favell Centre, NN3 8JZ

2. Billing Fish Bar, Crow Lane, NN3 9DA

3. Birchfield Fish Bar, 184 Birchfield Road East, NN3 2HG

4. Duston Fish Bar, 233 Main Road, NN5 6PR

5. Golden Kitchen, 174 Wellingborough Road, NN1 4DZ

6. Michael’s Grill, 12 Link Road, NN2 8EQ

7. Mr Chippy, 91 St Leonard’s Road, NN4 8DN

8. Nick’s Plaice, 30 Kingsley Park Terrace, NN2 7HG

9. Tommys Fish & Chip Shop, Wilks Walk, NN4 5DW

10. Yummy Yummy, 57 Glebeland Road, NN5 7HA

A gang of masked men assaulted staff at a distribution warehouse in Daventry before locking them in a room as they drove off with a lorry-full of goods.

The group of four, all wearing balaclavas, arrived at the premises in Newnham Drive on Heartlands Business Park at about 7.10am on Saturday, November 30.

They had a white HGV with a blue curtain-sided trailer and a black Audi A4 displaying false registration plates.

The men assaulted staff and forced them to lie on the floor while they loaded goods onto the trailer, according to police.

The members of staff were then shut in a room while the offenders made off in the vehicles in the direction of the A5.

Witnesses or anyone who may have seen the vehicles in the area around times stated or has any information is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 19000641235.

Information can also be provided anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cobblers youngster Shaun McWilliams is looking forward to locking horns with old midfield partner John-Joe O'Toole in next month's FA Cup third-round tie at Burton Albion.

Unfortunate timing with injury for one or the other meant they were not always regular partners in Town's midfield - starting 21 games together in the three seasons they were both at the club - but O'Toole was an influential figure as McWilliams progressed through the youth ranks.

The draw against League One Burton was somewhat underwhelming for Cobblers fans but the possible presence of O'Toole, who's played at centre-back at times this season, in the Brewers team will give it some extra spice.

McWilliams said: "We'll take the game against Burton when it comes and we're looking forward to it and we'll do everything possible to try and get through.

"I'm sure we'll see a smile on JJ's face! He has done a lot for the club and he's still one of the favourites for the fans here.

"I saw some of his goals and I trained alongside him when I was coming through so I've seen him day-to-day and he's a top player and a top lad and I'm looking forward to seeing him again.

"When you train together you come up against each other all the time. He's got a bit of a temper on him and we had a good battle but he's definitely had a positive impact on how I play and I'm happy to have taken that off him."

McWilliams returned to the Cobblers team for last week's EFL Trophy Tie at Portsmouth and he made up one of six academy players in the squad. Another was 18-year-old Michael Harding, who made his debut in the second-half.

"You can see the rewards are there if you train well and if you impress because the gaffer isn't afraid to put you in," McWilliams added. "

"We saw Michael come on and Jay (Williams) also got some minutes and it was good for them. I'm sure Michael's happy and it was good to see him on the pitch."

The 19-year-old motorcyclist was killed in August this year near RAF Croughton when he collided with the wife of an American diplomat who was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road.

His death has since erupted into a diplomatic crisis after the suspect, Ms Anne Sacoolas, flew back to the US by claiming diplomatic immunity and has not returned to face justice.

Harry's devastated family, who live in Charlton and Brackley, has hit out at the British government and accused it of delaying a decision to prosecute Ms Sacoolas, which the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) denies.

Now, a Freedom of Information request for the police to publish all emails to the Foreign Office over the 19-year-old's death has been refused.

A member of the public, Mr Edward Williams, requested that the force provided "all correspondence between you and the FCO regarding death of Harry Dunn".

It also asks for "all information held which relates in any way to [the Foreign secretary] Dominic Raab/the Foreign Office asking Northamptonshire Police to delay telling Harry Dunn's family that the woman involved in the crash that killed their son had left the UK."

The force refused the request and wrote in reply: "Information relating to a criminal investigation will rarely be disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act.

"Preliminary disclosure may prejudice the outcome of an investigation and undermine the right to a fair trial.

"...the small benefit in increased public awareness would not be adequate compensation for such an impact on [the right to a fair trial]."

Additionally, it reads: "The importance of building and maintaining goodwill within international relations cannot be underestimated.

"By releasing any communications that Northamptonshire Police has exchanged with Governmental Departments would undermine the relationship, trust and confidence built up between them."

Mr Williams has asked for an internal review of his request.

The pointed question about Dominic Raab's involvement comes after Harry Dunn's father confronted the foreign secretary at a hustings event at his constituency in East Moseley in November.

Mr Dunn and his family have previously criticised Mr Raab for handling the crisis, and claimed meetings with the foreign secretary felt like "PR stunts".

Mr Raab told Harry's father - Tim Dunn - that it was "not on" for him to confront him at the event. He was heckled as a "coward" by Harry's friends and family as he left the event.

Mr Raab is reportedly set to meet up with Harry's family again this week, but a date has not been confirmed.

Cobblers boss Keith Curle has been nominated for the Sky Bet League Two Manager of the Month award for November.

A terrific 4-1 home victory over high-flying Crewe Alexandra was the highlight of an excellent month for the Cobblers as they continued their climb up the League Two table.

The month had started with a frustrating 2-2 draw at Oldham Athletic when Town conceded twice in the last five minutes, but the win over Crewe was backed up by a 2-0 victory against Grimsby Town.

They also made light work of Chippenham Town in the FA Cup first-round.

Curle faces competition for the award from Scunthorpe United's Paul Hurst, Plymouth Argyle's Ryan Lowe and Richie Wellens, who led Swindon Town to three wins from three in November.

Curle's not the only Cobblers man to be rewarded for Town's good form though, with central defender Scott Wharton in the frame for the Player of the Month award.

In addition to his excellent performances at the back, the young Blackburn loanee also contributed three league goals and one in the FA Cup, including a lovely controlled volley against Crewe Alexandra.

Also in contention for the award are Ebou Adams of Forest Green Rovers, Plymouth midfielder Antoni Sarcevic and the league's top scorer Eoin Doyle, who has 18 goals for Swindon.

The winners of both awards will be announced later in the week.

Alex Waller insists no team is invincible.

And the Saints co-captain has confidence that his team can turn the tables on unbeaten Leinster at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.

The Irish giants stormed to a seven-try 43-16 success at Franklin's Gardens last weekend.

It was a result that put them in control of Pool 1, with Leinster now sitting five points clear or second-placed Saints.

But Waller has stressed that his side do not fear a trip to Dublin this weekend.

And he said: "We've got belief in the squad.

"We didn't quite get it right last weekend, but you look at the talent we've got and it's there.

"There's a uniqueness to these double-headers and we go straight in again.

"There doesn't need to be too much analysis because we've seen Leinster close up last weekend so we can get bodies right and look at where we went wrong.

"The major thing this week is that we lost that game last weekend due to our lack of accuracy and discipline.

"We put in a really good performance in the first half and it's about tightening up that second-half performance.

"If we do that, it can be a much closer game."

Waller started for Saints when they bounced back from a 40-7 home defeat to Leinster to win 18-9 at the Aviva Stadium on the following weekend.

And when asked what the current side can emulate from that memorable week in December 2013, Waller said: "There's going to be no big Churchillian-style speeches.

"We just need to look at the facts, where we went wrong and work on it.

"No team is invincible, it's just trying to find out what can unlock it.

"We had a bit of a blip last weekend but we're not overly negative and the scoreline doesn't reflect the effort we put in.

"I'm very proud of the boys and there are some tune-ups we can do.

"I'm confident we can do it."

A man has been charged with attempted murder following the incident that led to the tragic death of Rushden woman Levi Davis.

Jake Dean Swords, 27, was charged by police with attempted murder in the early hours of this morning.

It follows a fatal altercation near St George’s Way, Wellingborough Road, on Saturday evening that left local young mum Levi Davis, 25, dead.

Police initially arrested one 27-year-old on suspicion of attempted murder and a 27-year-old and a 13-year-old on suspicion of murder. The child was later released without charge.

The 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody.

Swords is charged with the attempted murder of a 27-year-old man.

He will appear before magistrates this morning (Tuesday, December 10).

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: “Detectives continue to work around the clock on this investigation. Anyone with information who has not yet come forward, is encouraged to do so. If you don’t want to call 101, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

A man was slashed after confronting two teenagers who were tampering with his motorbike in Desborough.

In an appeal launched yesterday (Monday) police said the victim was assaulted after the incident in Regent Street on November 26.

Just after 10pm he opened his front door to find two men tampering with his motorbike and confronted them.

During the incident he was slashed across the arm by one of the suspects with a weapon, although the type of weapon was not revealed.

A police spokesman said: "The offenders, who were around 18-years-old and wore black hoodies, ran off in the direction of Union Street.

"As a result of his injuries, the victim needed numerous stitches."

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident should call Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 19000634454, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Burglars stole a load of hairdressing equipment from a business in Northampton by cutting a hole in a shutter door.

The thieves used power tools to cut a large hole in the door at Salon Supplies on Queens Park Industrial Estate, Kingsthorpe, at around 9pm on Tuesday, November 26.

They made off with a number of electrical hairdressing items from the Studland Road firm, including brands such as GHD, Wahl and Babylis.

A 100-year anniversary edition of Walh clippers and GHD straighteners were also taken.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 19000634378 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A distinctive vehicle was used to steal a tractor and trailer from a Northants farm.

Officers from the Rural Crime Team are appealing for witnesses following the theft of a Kubota L5240 tractor from a farm in Mears Ashby.

The theft occurred between 7pm on Monday, November 4, and 7am on Tuesday, November 5, when two males entered the farmyard and used the owner’s Isuzu Trooper and Ifor Williams GB146 Tri-axle trailer to tow the tractor away.

The vehicles were last seen heading in the direction of Cogenhoe on the evening of November 4, and would have been distinctive as the Trooper had an issue with its alternator causing the lights to keep turning off. It is believed the vehicle would not have been able to travel far before the lights failed altogether.

The Trooper has since been recovered in Bedfordshire, however both the tractor and trailer are still missing. The offenders were both white males. The first was of a stocky build with facial hair and the second is described as slim.

Anyone with information or who may have witnessed this incident is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101 quoting reference number 19000591806.