TWO people have been arrested and charged just 12 hours after allegedly stealing heating fuel from a village hall.

A man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s, who are both from Gloucester, were arrested shortly after 2am today at Peopleton Village Hall where it was reported a fuel theft from a tanker attached to the hall was taking place.

A white van was seen pulling up and a security light disabled, with officers carrying out the arrests within minutes.

The pair were charged with theft this afternoon and bailed to appear at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, April 5.

Inspector Sean Kent, who leads neighbourhood policing in Wychavon, said: “Due to the ongoing concerns we have about fuel thefts in Wychavon, our officers have been briefed to take seriously any suspicious activity of this nature and to respond straight away.

“I would like to thank the members of the public for getting in touch so promptly with their concerns.

"It meant we able to respond immediately, make two arrests and on this occasion people have been charged with the offence 12 hours after it was committed.”