TWO men are in police custody following a car blaze in Cononley this morning (Tuesday).

Police responding to a call in the early hours about a car that had crashed into railings discovered a black Mazda that had been abandoned and set on fire. A search was carried out, with the help of a police helicopter using thermal imaging equipment, and two male suspects were found. 

A police spokesperson said: "We received a call in the early hours reporting that a car had crashed into railings in the village, causing extensive damage, before driving off. A trail of oil coming from the vehicle allowed it to be tracked a short distance away, where – at about 1.20am – officers discovered the black Mazda 2 car abandoned and on fire.

"The police helicopter was called in and used thermal imaging equipment to search the area. Meanwhile, officers on the ground began their own enquiries, which soon led them to two male suspects who had been seen nearby in suspicious circumstances.

"The two suspects, aged 18 and 19, were both arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, driving without insurance, failing to stop after a collision and failing to report a collision. The 19-year-old was searched and found to have a bag of white powder, and was also arrested on suspicion of possessing class A drugs."

The car was destroyed in the fire. Enquiries are ongoing to establish where it came from. The two men remain in police custody while the investigation continues.