A FARMER gave chase after a thief drove off in a pick-up truck with a trailer and quad bike from his farm.

The incident happened on Saturday at Gibbet Hill Farm, Howden-le-Wear, after the farmer saw a man, who is described as having a shaven head, getting into the pick-up and driving off.

A chase followed and the pick-up crashed into a dry stone wall at the junction of the A68 and Douglas Lane. The thief escaped after being picked up by an accomplice driving a Toyota RAV4.

Substantial damage was done to the pick-up, which was recovered along with the quad bike.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call police on (01388) 762011.