BALACLAVA-clad men have been seen under suspicious circumstances in a Herefordshire village.

The two men, who were both wearing balaclavas and rubber gloves, were seen getting out of a car in Fownhope at 5.55am on April 21.

One of them was seen wiping around the registration plate area of the car before they were picked up by a BMW which is believed to have been displaying false plates, said PCSO Adam Westlake.

They were reported to police by a witness who "thought it was unusual behaviour given the early morning hour and the presence of daylight", PCSO Westlake said.

The car that was left behind had VRM plates that appeared flimsy, as if hastily applied, and with noticeable residue, which suggests potential tampering or alteration, the PCSO said.

The vehicle was left securely locked and no keys were left behind.

It has now been recovered due to suspicions that it may have been involved in criminal activities, the PCSO said, in light of the witness observations and suspicions that the other vehicle may have been stolen.