Police arrest metal detectorist in Methwold Hythe in middle of night and seize metal coins

A man has been arrested on suspicion of metal detecting in a rural field in the middle of the night.

Police arrested the man, in his 40s, on suspicion of ‘nighthawking’, which is illegal metal detecting often undertaken while it is dark.

Officers spotted activity while on patrol in Methwold Hythe at 2.30am on Monday.

The man was also arrested on suspicion of theft after a metal detector, a spade and a quantity of metal coins were seized.

He was taken to Lynn’s Police Investigation Centre for questioning and was later released on bail until June 12.