POLICE cannot help but be on the scent of a £20,000 tractor stolen from a field at Upavon at the weekend because it was covered in pig manure.

The theft, from Widdington Farm, occurred between 4pm on Sunday when the tractor was left in a field and 7am on Monday morning when farm staff started work.

Officers believe the tractor was driven away across the downs to Marden and possibly right through the village.

Police said the Case tractor was covered in pig manure which it had been loading ready for spreading on the day it was stolen. It was fitted with a front loader and had a feeding box on the back which the thieves left in the field.

A police spokesman said from tracks across the field it appeared the tractor had been driven up over the downs, possibly towing another vehicle. The tracks were followed over the hills and down into Marden where officers believe it may have been driven right through the village.

The spokesman said: "It was absolutely covered in pig manure by all accounts so someone may remember seeing it, or smelling it."

Anyone who saw the tractor between Upavon and Marden on Sunday evening or during the night is asked to contact Pewsey police on (01672) 562222.