A SECOND 'chop shop' has been uncovered in East Lancashire after a number of high value cars were stolen and stripped down.

Detectives recovered seven high value stolen cars at a unit in Greenfield Road, Colne.

The vehicles, valued at more than £195,000, had been stripped of their parts, while one was in the process of being dismantled, officers said.

Cars found at the unit on Friday included a Volkswagen Golf R, BMW M4, BMW M1, Audi RS4, Skoda Superb, Seat Leon FR and a Mercedes A200 AMG.

Officers said the discovery was the second 'chop shop' found in Pendle within two weeks.

Police said Friday's raid came following a community tip off.

A 22-year-old man from the Nelson area had been arrested on suspicion of motor vehicle thefts.

He has since been released without charge pending further inquiries.

Sgt Tim Hitchen said: "The seven stolen vehicles were recovered on Friday at 8.30pm at a unit in Greenfield Road, Colne.

"They had been brought to the 'chop shop' as a whole and stripped of their parts including interior, doors, bonnet and boot.

"One of the cars was also in the process of being dissembled.

"The cars were basically left with only their shells and have since been removed and transported to the police garage.

"The victims of these thefts have also been informed."

Seven other high value stolen cars, which were partially stripped down, were found at a unit in Norfolk Street, Nelson, at around 10.30am on June 27.

The Nelson raid also came on the back of information received from the public.

When officers carried out the raid no-one was inside the unit.

Police believe the cars valued at £200,000 were stolen from the Greater Manchester area and are working with other police forces to identify the owners of the vehicles.

Cars found included a Mercedes AMG, two other Mercedes vehicles, a Seat Leon, a Volkswagen Touareg, an Audi A2 and a BMW car.

Officers are now appealing for anyone with information about the latest 'chop shop' to come forward.

Sgt Hitchen said: "I am particularly keen to talk to anyone who witnessed anyone entering the unit in the last four weeks, any vehicles being driven suspiciously or any vehicles parked outside."

A spokesman for Colne and West Craven Police said on Facebook: "We have recovered a total of seven stolen vehicles this weekend.

"We are aware of the increasing issue regarding vehicle thefts and in our plight to reduce this crime feel it worthy to tell our loyal readers of this success."

A chop-shop is a place where stolen cars are stripped down into parts.

Cllr Graham Roach, who represents Colne on Pendle Council, said: “This organised crime seems to be prevalent across East Lancashire when you consider there was also an incident in Nelson recently.

“I think it’s disappointing that we’ve got a problem with this type of crime in the area.

“I’d urge people to be the ears and eyes of the police and report anything suspicious they see to the police.

“This seems to be lucrative for the offenders but clearly very upsetting for the victims of this crime.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt Hitchen on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.