Caravan dumped in village

A caravan has been found abandoned on a main route through a Midlands village, causing rush-hour traffic delays.

The unusual find was discovered in the early hours of today in High Hill, Essington, forcing police to close the main road as workers tried to find the best way to move the bulky, 40ft object from the carriageway.

Drag marks along the road suggest the caravan was pulled for several feet before being abandoned.

Drivers were forced to divert through the village centre, along Wolverhampton Road. Essington parish councillor David Clifft said discussions were under way over bringing a crane in to move the obstacle.

Bemused cyclist and mother-of-two, Polly Platt, aged 41, came across the caravan on a morning bike ride: "The road was all scraped where the tyres had burst. There were quite a few people stopping to have a look."