THREE men have been arrested after metal thieves struck the disused Victoria Hotel in Newnham.

Police swooped with dogs around 3am on Thursday morning after reports of activity in the empty building.

Following a search of the area they detained three men.

A range of tools and a large quantity of copper piping has been seized as part of the investigation.

Superintendent Phil Haynes said: "This was excellent work by my officers, who were on the scene within minutes and carried out a swift and successful search of the area.

"It looks like the building was being systematically stripped of any metal it contained. In fact it had flooded in one area where a boiler had been ripped out.

"Taking tough action against metal theft is something we have led on in the Forest of Dean and we are determined to ensure the thieves get the message that they are not welcome."

Two men aged 39 and 42 from Stroud and a 42-year-old Evesham man were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Police are calling for anybody with information to call 101 quoting incident 35 of June 21.