POLICE have arrested three men following a spate of catalytic converter thefts across the Winchester district.

The men were arrested in Fareham, but have been linked to six other offences, including one in Shawford where someone was shot with an air rifle.

Officers were called to an address on Ferneham Road, Fareham at 3am this morning (June 15).

The three men were attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a vehicle and damage was caused to three vehicles on the victim’s driveway.

The offenders made off and were detained by police a short while later on Duncan Road, Park Gate.

A 28-year-old man from Southampton, a 34-year-old man from Totton, and a 24-year-old man from Hythe, were arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle. They remain in custody at this time.

The incident has since been linked to several other theft of catalytic converters from vehicles across the county.

This includes an attempted theft at an address on Pearson Lane, Shawford, at around 1.30am where the victim was also shot with an air-rifle causing minor injuries.

The other incidents were in: Claylands Road and Greens Close, Bishops Waltham, at around 2am on June 15; Chapel Road, Swanmore, at 2.28am on June 15; Eastmans Field, Chilbolton, at around 11.30pm on June 14; Berber Close, Whitley, 3.15am on June 15; and Woodley Close and Ganger Road, Romsey, at 10.30pm on June 14.

Hampshire Constabulary is keen to hear from anyone who has information on any of these incidents.

A spokesperson said: "Were you in the area at the time? Did you see or hear anything suspicious? Perhaps you have private CCTV or dash cam footage?

"Anyone with information is asked to phone 101 with reference 44210233975."