ARMED officers were forced to stop a car after a shotgun was stolen from a South Wiltshire home.

Two people have since been arrested following the incident on the A36, with Wiltshire Police confirming them to be a 54-year-old man from Salisbury and a 17-year-old boy from Hampshire.

The man, who was the driver of the vehicle, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of criminal property, while the teen - detained overnight - was arrested on suspicion of burglary, theft and possession of criminal property.

They both remain in custody at Melksham Police Station and our enquiries are ongoing.

Now, officers are appealing for the public's help to find the stolen shotgun.

The weapon, which it is understood the owner has a licence to own, was stolen during a burglary in Berwick St James yesterday.

The owner reported the item missing at 3.20pm.

Police say that enquiries had identified a vehicle that was in the area at the time of the theft.

At around 5.45pm it was spotted being driven on the A36 towards Salisbury from the Southampton direction, and due to the fact a shotgun had been stolen, armed officers were deployed to stop it.

But, following a search of the vehicle, which resulted in the driver being detained, the stolen shotgun was not found.

Armed police then conducted a further search in the Odstock area later that evening, but still without finding the weapon.

Sergeant John Hutchings, sector deputy for Wiltshire South Community Policing Team, said: "Unfortunately the shotgun is still outstanding and I would urge anyone with any information regarding its whereabouts or if you have been approached within the last 24 hours by someone selling a shotgun in suspicious circumstances, to please contact us.

"It is vital that such a weapon does not remain outstanding and any information however small, could assist us in the successful recovery of the property."

Anyone with information should call Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 54190034633.