"Suspicious vehicle" reported to police was Amazon delivery van

Officers were sent to Harthill after receiving a report of “a suspicious van driving slowly around and stopping outside properties”.

But the call turned out to be a false alarm – prompting South Yorkshire Police to remind people some vehicles had a legitimate business to be out and about.

A Rotherham South NHT spokesperson said: “After a thorough interrogation of the driver and the contents of his van, it was established this was none other than the local Amazon delivery driver (other delivery companies are available).

“The driver was very surprised by the sudden police presence but understood the confusion.

“We ask everyone to remain vigilant of suspicious vehicles but keep in mind that there are still delivery drivers and tradesmen going about their day.”