Stuck lorry torched after botched theft

A lorry was set alight after would-be thieves loaded equipment on to it before the vehicle got stuck in the mud, a wildlife trust has said.

Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust said a break-in happened at its Volunteer Training Centre at Rutland Water Nature Reserve, where an attempt was made to steal specialist machinery and equipment.

After the items were loaded, the heavily-laden vehicle got stuck in the mud in a wildflower meadow as the culprits tried to flee, the trust added.

The lorry was then torched, leaving "extensive physical and environmental damage" amounting to more than £40,000, the trust said.

Joe Davis, head of reserves, said: "This incident is a major setback to nature recovery efforts within our two counties.

"The money raised during our Reserves Appeal last year helped purchase some of this equipment, making its loss particularly devastating.

"We now face a huge clean-up bill, loss of essential equipment, and the postponement of many planned works."

A Leicestershire Police spokesperson confirmed an investigation is ongoing into the attempted thefts, which are believed to have happened overnight between 27 and 28 October.

They said: "A police investigation is ongoing after the attempted theft of two specialised pieces of equipment from a premises in Oakham Road, Oakham.

"It was reported to police after the items were discovered missing shortly before 9am on Monday 28 October.

"A short time later they were found abandoned nearby burnt out."

No arrests have yet been made, the force added.

Mat Carter, CEO of the trust, said: "The trust is deeply saddened by this destructive act, which directly impacts the nature reserve, its operations, and the invaluable time and resources of our staff and volunteers.

"We are committed to restoring the reserve and ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming place for all."

Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.