A TONGHAM couple whose £30,000 touring caravan was stolen two years ago have been told that Hampshire police have "no lawful power" to recover it from the travellers' site where it has been found.

Retrieving the van could "breach the human rights" of the family now living in it, the pair have been told, and police won't even tell them where it is located.

According to the police, a civil action is the only option open to Kathleen McClelland and Michael Curry, who bought the 26-feet caravan for £20,000 with retirement savings and spent a further £10,000 kitting it out.

They were uninsured when it was taken in August 2011 from a storage park in Church Crookham.

The pair believe their pride and joy, which was "like a second hone" is now on a site in Hook. They have been told it is being lived in by a traveller family with two children, who claim to have bought it for £300.

In a letter to Ms McClelland, 68, Pc Karen East wrote that her sergeant had taken advice from the force solicitor, "but unfortunately it has transpired that we have no lawful power to recover the caravan.

It will be the responsibility of you as the owner to start civil proceedings against the current occupier."

The officer continued: "I sincerely apologise for this decision and I am sure that you feel the onus has been put back on you, but my hands have been tied due to police powers."