A 30-year-old man has been arrested for removing a historical interest from Stonehenge and possessing explosives.

At the request of Wiltshire Police, the suspect was arrested in Bradford by West Yorkshire Police for offences carried out at the World Heritage Site between August and September this year.

He was identified by police after posting his finds and location on social media.

The man was arrested for four offences: intentionally or recklessly damaging a protected monument, using a metal detector in a protected place without the written consent of the Secretary of State, removing an archaeological or historical interest which is discovered by the use of a metal detector in a protected place without the written consent, and possession of explosives without a valid permit.

During the arrest at the man's home, West Yorkshire Police found the man in possession of drugs.

Police have brought a caution for possession of Class B Drugs that were found at the suspect's home during his arrest.

He has since been released under investigation.

PC Emily Thomas, Heritage Crime officer in Wiltshire Police, said: “We are fortunate to live in a beautiful county with many heritage sites. Unfortunately, these sites occasionally attract the wrong sorts of visitors who are intent on personal gain and disregard the law.

“Our heritage assets are protected by specific criminal offences to prevent the damage caused by unlicensed alteration and thereby diminish the enjoyment of heritage sites for others.

"On this occasion the suspect was identified when posting his finds and the location on social media.”

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