AN unsuspecting member of the public was conned into buying a second hand Mercedes that had been stolen.

Neighbourhood Police covering the Somerton and Wincanton area have now recovered the stolen vehicle and will return it to its rightful owner.

South Somerset Neighbourhood Policing took to social media to post: "PCSO Humphrey, PC Bidwell and enquiry office advisor Graham from the Somerton and Wincanton neighbourhood team have recovered a stolen vehicle which will now be returned to its owner.

"This vehicle had been cloned by car criminals and fraudulently sold to an unsuspecting member of the public who now has unfortunately lost their pride and joy.

"Be vigilant and only buy second hand vehicles from reputable dealers and remember to ask questions around it’s history and VIN (vehicle identity numbers).

"The investigation into the person/s who fraudulently sold the vehicle is ongoing."