A MAN was arrested on suspicion of stalking in the Ludgershall area, after chasing a woman out of her house.

At around 1pm on Tuesday a man had arrived at an address in Collingbourne Ducis and had allegedly chased the victim out of her house and into woods nearby.

And police dog Elvis and handler PC Darren Willis, of Wiltshire Police, were called to the incident to track the suspect and victim.

During the search Elvis and PC Willis located a discarded item of clothing which was seized as part of the investigation.

Once the pair was found, after following a scent from the address into the woods, a 21-year-old man from Tidworth was arrested on suspicion of stalking involving serious alarm and distress, and was taken to Melksham custody for questioning.

He has now been released under investigation.

Dog unit inspector James Brain said: “PD Elvis and PC Willis did a fantastic job of following the scent, which Elvis had picked up from the address, and followed it approximately 700 metres through some rough terrain including woods and corn fields where they located the suspect.

“The weather conditions were extremely hot yesterday and no doubt would have been challenging for both Elvis and PC Willis but this did not deter them.

“This incident just shows the importance of our police dogs and how much their skills can support local officers in locating individuals who may well think they can evade police.”

A police spokesperson added: “If a person’s behaviour towards you is persistent and clearly unwanted, causing you fear, harassment or anxiety, then it is stalking and you should not have to live with it.”

Anyone who feels at immediate risk should call 999, or 101 if they feel they are being stalked.