A SCRAPYARD'S owners have been eliminated from enquiries by police after their premises were raided during an investigation into the theft of Transit vans.

In a joint operation, West Yorkshire and Lancashire officers arrived at two scrapyards on January 13; Alf Kyme Van Breakers Ltd, Rakehead Lane, Stacksteads and Tom Smith Commercials in Great Harwood.

Police originally said the two sites were identified as being potential locations for stolen vehicles to be taken to, broken up into component parts and sold on.

However, the two people arrested at the Kymes site have now been released from police bail and eliminated from the investigation and no action will be taken against the scrapyard.

Director David Kyme said: "A thorough search of our premises was carried out over two days with police leaving no stone unturned nothing untoward was found.

"The Environment Agency were also satisfied that no breaches have been committed.

"The police have now confirmed in writing that no charges or further action will be taken against the company or its directors.

"We would like to think our good reputation is still intact and our customers will be dealt with by honest, reliable, hard working people trying to improve the environment by disposing of their scrap vehicles economically and efficiently.

"The police and council have an open invitation to search our premises at any time without a warrant."

Kymes is a fully licensed and authorised treatment facility for end of life vehicles.

They also issue certificates of destruction for vehicles scrapped on the premises.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman, the force that is leading the investigation in relation to suspected theft of motor vehicles, said: "A 50-year-old man and 45-year-old man, both from Bacup, have been released from police bail and will have no further action taken against them."

*A 53-year-old man, 38-year-old man, 32-year-old woman, 30-year-old man, and 29-year-old woman, and a 39-year-old woman, all from the Great Harwood and Blackburn areas, and a 38-year-old Bradford man remain on bail in connection with the investigation.