POLICE are urging car buyers to be cautious if the seller wants to meet in a car park or at the roadside.

The warning follows the unwitting purchase of a stolen car.

Police went to an address in Bolton Road, Bolton, Bradford, to help the DVLA with a vehicle inquiry. Checks revealed it had been stolen in Liverpool last year.

The vehicle will now be released back to its rightful owner.

PC Brian Bentley said “Unfortunately, the man who thought he owned a new car has been left thousands of pounds out of pocket. I would urge anyone to thoroughly check a vehicle before they hand any money over for it. You can check a vehicles history via several companies for a small fee, but also the DVLA website can offer assistance on what to look out for.”