Health warning as police hunt dangerous stolen chemicals

DANGEROUS chemicals have been stolen from a business in Whitecroft, leading police to issue a public safety warning.

The Forest of Dean community has been warned to look out for two 30 litre blue drums, containing sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Both drums are clearly labelled, outlining their contents.

The two drums went missing overnight on Tuesday, September 11.

It is thought an unknown quantity of potassium cyanide could also have been stolen, but It is not known how this could be packaged. The substance looks like white processed sugar.

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These substances are incredibly harmful and police are appealing for the public to take care if they find them as they could have been discarded in either the Whitecroft of Pillowell areas of Lydney.

If they find them, members of the public are advised not to touch them, move away and immediately call the police.

The drums could give off an unusual smell and the public are advised to move away from them until this smell disappears.

If the potassium cyanide is found, it should not be touched and people should move at least 30 metres away.

Officers have been searching the area for the chemicals and some have been recovered however searches for these remaining items are continuing.

Inspector for the area, Rich Boyles, said: "We understand that there will be concern from local residents regarding this warning but we would reassure them that there is currently nothing to suggest that these substances have been left anywhere to intentionally put the public at risk.

"We are offering this warning should people in the area find these drums whilst out and about in the area. As long as the containers are not damaged or opened the substances will be contained.

"If you do find them do not to touch them and immediately call the police."

Officers arrested an 18-year-old local man at around 2:15pm yesterday, Wednesday September 12, on suspicion of burglary in connection to the incident. He currently remains in police custody.