They had been spotted heading for fields close to Hungerhill School by the South Yorkshire helicopter – and officers were dispatched to investigate.

The matter was raised at a meeting of Edenthorpe Parish Council as councillors complained about a lack of police presence in the village.

Councillors reported a lack of officers in Edenthorpe.

But they raised concern that when officers did arrive it was to speak to the family of gipsies who were visiting a new-born animal which was being kept on the council-owned field.

Police said the helicopter's presence in the area was a co-incidence and it had not been called out because of the foal.

After the meeting, parish council chairman John Howard said: "I think the police are doing a good job, and we would grumble if they didn't, but it just seemed a bit odd on this occasion that the helicopter was there.

"We as a council have a good relationship with both the police and the travellers on the Long Sandall estate and we would not want to spoil that."

A police spokesman said the incident involved a helicopter that was requested to fly over Stainforth where a nuisance motorcycle was being driven at speed. On the way, its crew saw two cars being driven on what appeared to be land at Hungerhill School, Edenthorpe.

Safer Neighbourhood Team staff went to Hungerhill Lane, checked the cars and spoke to the drivers.

The spokesman added: "The Stainforth Safer Neighbourhood Team is aware of the issues Mr Howard has raised and is in regular contact with him.

"All incidents and calls are graded according to the information that was given.

"South Yorkshire Police prioritise all calls from members of the public and deal with the most serious, the life-threatening calls first."


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