POLICE and trading standards officers swooped on vehicles in a search for "red diesel" at Clitheroe Auction Mart .

Spot checks on more than 100 vehicles, including cars, Land Rovers and wagons, were carried out in the car park.

Operation Shergar was a joint project by police, customs and excise staff and trading standards officers.

Their main aim was to find vehicles using red diesel, a duty-exempt fuel which is specifically for non-road use.

The vehicles were also rigorously inspected for mechanical faults and nine were given prohibition notices.

Five vehicles were issued with "rectification" notices after faults were found in the way animals were being carried.

Sgt John Lindsey, of Clitheroe Police, said: "The idea was to improve road safety and the operation was certainly a success."

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