A DRAMATIC police operation saw burglary suspects arrested near Hartpury in the early hours of this morning (Sunday, April 13) following a break-in at a commercial property in Gloucester.

Gloucestershire Constabulary said they were called shortly after 5AM with reports that a group of men in hi-vis clothing and balaclavas were removing items from a premises on Russell Street and loading them into a van.

When officers arrived at the scene, several suspects fled on foot while the van drove off.

The vehicle was later spotted by police and brought to a safe stop near Hartpury, where three men from London were arrested on suspicion of burglary. All three remain in custody.

Two more suspects who had run from the scene in Gloucester were also caught by officers. One was taken to hospital with a leg injury sustained while trying to evade police, and the other was taken into custody.

The incident prompted a wider investigation that led to a total of five arrests in Gloucestershire — including those made near Hartpury — with four further arrests made later this morning by the Metropolitan Police in London.

All nine men are currently in police custody as investigations continue.

Gloucestershire Police are appealing for anyone with further information, CCTV, or dashcam footage to come forward. Those with relevant details are asked to call 101 and quote incident 68 of April 13.