Another burnt out vehicle discovered in New Forest

Ringwood Police officers responded to a report of a torched vehicle, believed to be a Honda, in the village of Martin near Fordingbridge.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify the model and registration of the charred vehicle and it is currently unknown whether it had been stolen or used in a crime.

While investigating, police located some power tools that were discarded in the woodland area along the site of the vehicle. Police say they have linked one of the tools to a 'theft from vehicle' incident back in July last year.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: “We were called out at 8am this morning to reports of a vehicle that had been abandoned on Sillens Lane in Martin.

Burnt out vehicle discovered in the New Forest. Picture: Ringwood Police

“Officers are trying to identify the rightful owner and following up on relevant lines of enquiry.

“A number of power tools were also located nearby to the vehicle, which have been collected and local officers are seeking to identify who they may belong to in order to return them.

“Did you see what happened? Where you in the area at the time? Or perhaps you have dash-cam footage?

“Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call 101, quoting 44220044843.”

A Ringwood Neighbourhood Policing Team spokesperson said: “[We] are committed to disrupting criminal and suspicious activity. We are eager for people to come forward and report to us with confidence to help target those responsible.”

This incident follows two recent instances of burnt out vehicles being discovered in the New Forest.

• Read more: Stolen car discovered on fire in New Forest car park
• Read more: Stolen school minibus torched at Shepherds Gutter car park

Late last month, a stolen car was found torched and abandoned in a car park near Linwood and on Tuesday, February 1, a stolen school minibus was discovered similarly destroyed near Bramshaw.

Police say there is nothing to suggest these three incidents are linked.