A DRIVER discovered the new car they had bought was in fact stolen after police arrived while they were shopping at a convenience store.

Officers tracked the Jeep Renegade along the M5 motorway and to the Co-op car park in Ombersley Road.

The car was bought last year after being stolen in Worcester.

The driver had presumed the sale was legitimate but police are now warning car buyers to be on their guard.

A spokesperson for OPU Worcestershire said: "OPU units located this stolen vehicle in Worcester this afternoon after it travelled down the M5.

"Transpired to have been bought by an innocent purchaser, having been stolen last year.

"Goes to show the benefit of doing proper checks before buying a car.

"Vehicle recovered."