Three men have been charged by police after a van attempted to U-turn on the M4 in a bid to get away from officers.

The Citroen was surrounded by police on Monday evening after reports it was involved in thefts around Swindon.

As the occupants tried to flee, the van attempted a U-turn on the M4, leading to police performing a tactical stop.

Between 8pm and 11.30pm on Monday, three people are said to have targeted multiple vehicles and stolen motorcycles and tools.

At around 9pm, police received a report saying a van was being broken into, and items were being removed.

Scott Lippiatt, 23 of Stanier Road, Siston, has been charged with dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, driving without insurance, drug driving, theft from a motor vehicle, aggravated vehicle taking, handling stolen goods, and going equipped to steal.

John Matthews, 29, of The Gastons, Lawrence Weston, Bristol, and Chaz Bevan, 26, of Broadbury Road, Knowle, Bristol, have been charged with theft from a motor vehicle, aggravated vehicle taking, handling stolen goods, going equipped to steal, and taking a vehicle without consent.

The three men appeared in Swindon Magistrates Court on Wednesday, January 17 and are to appear at Swindon Crown Court on February 16.

Wiltshire Police are now appealing for anyone who has been a victim of theft of power tools, or anyone who witnessed suspicious activity during these times, to contact the force on 101 and quote 54240005458.