A local police force has been criticised for asking the public to vote on which village they should patrol by using a poll on Twitter.

Wiltshire Police force has been accused of signposting where criminals should target after announcing on social media that it would send officers to patrol one of three villages.

It posted: "Which village would you like us to patrol later today?", giving the options of Aldbourne, Great Bedwyn and Worton.

The village Great Bedwyn was picked as the winner. The force wrote: "Great Bedwyn got the vote! Quick pit stop to refuel and we’ll head there!"

The Twitter account posted pictures from the village, writing: "As promised, a foot patrol of Great Bedwyn! Had a chat to some residents and bumped into Daisy the dog."

Followers of the account were quick to criticise, with Steve Johnson incredulously writing: "Wow a poll to see where to patrol ? What next a lucky dip to see who to arrest!"