Police are appealing to speak with two men in connection with criminal damage and vehicle fraud in North Dorset.

Dorset Police received a report that two men had arranged with the owners of a vehicle for sale to view it at an address in the Charlton Marshall area of Blandford Forum.

Whilst viewing the vehicle, police say that one of the men distracted the occupants while the other man squirted liquid over the engine and into the coolant tank before taking it for a test drive.

When they came back with the vehicle, the men stated that the engine was smoking and offered to purchase the vehicle at a significantly reduced price.

The owners of the vehicle declined the offer of sale, and have since discovered that the cost of repair exceeds £1,000.

Despite the incident taking place at around 8.45pm on Wednesday, September 11, police are now releasing the information and CCTV images of two men they would like to identify as they carry out investigations.

Police Community Support Investigator Kayleigh Hole, of Blandford police, said: “Our investigation into this matter is ongoing and I am now in a position to issue CCTV images of two men we would like to identify.

“I would urge anyone with information regarding their identities to please make contact with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240144690. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.