Police Tape - Photo: Andrew Rickman

Officers from Staffordshire Police were handed a suspect package at approximately 4.30pm yesterday (Monday) by a member of the public in Tamworth.

The package had been found in Glascote Road and was taken to the police station in Spinning School Lane.

The police station was cordoned off while the package was examined and deemed safe. No member of the public was at risk at any time and the station was re-opened last night.

Officers have also cordoned off an area in Glascote Road while further searches are carried out this morning (Tues) to ensure the safety of the public and gather evidence from the scene.

A 27-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, both from Tamworth, were arrested last night in connection with the incident. They remained in custody overnight and will be questioned today.

Inspector Emma Griffiths, from Tamworth police, said:

“We’d like to thank local residents and businesses for their patience and co-operation while we investigate this unusual incident.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal for anyone with information to contact Staffordshire Police on 0300 123 4455, quoting incident number 472 of February 1, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

Staffordshire Police are asking the public for assistance in finding two people wanted in connection with a spate of petrol thefts from stations in Tamworth and Lichfield, stealing some £1,500 worth of petrol.

Police believe that the thieves, who are driving a blue/purple Vauxhall Corsa, have fitted the car with additional tanks to steal £100 of fuel at a time.  The Corsa also has stolen number plates, some of those already used include P450 RYV; T423 BVP; S803 VUK; W701 NDG and N11 XNF.

The thieves have struck at the BP Garage in Upper Gungate, as well as Morrisons and Tesco supermarkets in Lichfield.

To assist with the capture of the criminals, Police have released CCTV images of the believed thieves in the hope that someone will come forward with information regarding their identity.

Police are urging anyone who may recognise the suspect or has information about the thefts, to contact DC Jo Morrison at Trent Valley CID, telephone 0300 123 44 55 or, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.  There may be an award for anyone who gives information that leads to an arrest.