A HAVE-A-GO hero who chased raiders on his farm has told of his disappointment that no one has been charged.

Four men were arrested following a manhunt in February this year at Buckland Newton.

But now a Dorset Police spokesman has confirmed they have all been released without charge due to a lack of evidence.

Martin Perrett, 53, disturbed the balaclava-clad robbers in the early hours at Court Farm Business Park on his 250-acre farm in Buckland Newton.

He tried to block their escape off his land as he dialled 999 on his mobile phone during the raid in February.

The intruders drove into Mr Perrett’s Range Rover and then fired an object at his windscreen twice before he rammed them back up the track.

Police said that the raiders used a catapult although Mr Perrett thought it was a gun at the time.

Father-of-two Mr Perrett said: “I’m disappointed the police weren't able to catch them on the night because obviously it was very difficult to press charges afterwards.

“The police played down what the criminals were firing at me with but at the end of the day, the damage they did to the car and windscreen definitely could’ve killed me.

“When the criminals shot at me for a second time, they couldn’t have known I’d still have a windscreen.”

A 22-year-old Taunton man was arrested later that morning and three other Somerset men were interviewed by police at later dates but no charges were pressed.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “The men involved had made off on foot prior to police arrival.

“It was believed that that these men may have been armed.

“Officers assisted by the force helicopter and dog handlers made an extensive search of the area – a challenging task due to darkness, inclement weather and the relatively remote rural location.

“One man was arrested at 7am later that morning, five hours after the search had begun with officers working tirelessly to look for the outstanding men.

“Following enquiries, a further three men were also interviewed.

“These four men were released without charge due to insufficient evidence.

“A vehicle used by the alleged offenders was left at the scene but it has not been possible to prove who may or may not have been driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.

“As a result no one has been charged with motoring offences.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 01305 222222.