Police were called to reports of a 'loud' individual who was seen trying car door handles and carrying a stolen generator in Yate.

The incident was reported in the early hours of Monday morning on Longs Drive, near Station Road.

A man was seen trying the handles and according to witnesses was being very loud and disruptive. He was seen by a number of witnesses.

Police were called after a resident confronted the man.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "Police were called just after 2am on Monday 10 February to Longs Drive, Yate, by a witness who reported seeing a man trying car door handles.

"The witness said he shouted and the man made off, abandoning a generator.

"Patrolling officers carried out a search of the area with no trace of the suspect.

"They seized the generator and later that day the owner reported that it had been stolen from a van parked in the same road.

"Officers are carrying out house to house and CCTV enquiries and taking statements and have a positive line of enquiry regarding a suspect.

"Neighbourhood Sergeant Terry Murphy said: "We'd like to thank the witnesses for taking time to check out of the window on being woken by a suspicious noise and then calling us straight away.

"We always want to hear about crime when it's happening, so if you see something suspicious ring us immediately. If a crime's underway or an offender is still in the area call 999. Otherwise ring 101 - our call handlers are available 24/7."

Anyone with information which could help the ongoing investigation can get in touch through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101, quoting reference 5220033097.