THREE samurai weapons were taken from a martial arts club after "desperate" thieves smashed through a wall using a fire hydrant.

Police today issued an appeal for the return of a three-foot samurai sword and two pronged small daggers, called sais, after they were stolen from the Shinobi-Kai Academy of Martial Arts, Burnley.

Detectives said they were concerned about the theft due to the dangerous nature of the weapons.

Steve Winstanley, the owner of the club in Deane Mill, Plumbe Street, also expressed his disbelief at the way the thieves raided his premises after they smashed in through an internal plaster wall using a fire hydrant as a battering ram.

Children from a theatre school, based upstairs from the club, are believed to have seen three white youths leave with swords in their hands.

Mr Winstanley, 49, said the thieves must have known about the swords and has appealed for their return.

The weapons have been part of a display at the club since it moved to the premises three years ago. Mr Winstanley said the sword was a display item, and was not sharp, but was potentially dangerous. The sais are ornamental but, police said, also potentially dangerous. Mr Winstanley said: "I can't believe how desperate they were. The way they have got in has amazed everybody.

"They tried to kick the door down, but there's a big bolt lock. Then they've taken a fire extinguisher off the wall and hammered their way through.

"It must have taken some effort, the hole has been big enough for someone to crawl through. They were ultra-determined."

Mr Winstanley, who trains 15-20 youngsters every night of the week in karate and jujitsu at the club, said it is worrying the theives could have known about the swords beforehand.

The incident happened between 5.30pm and 6pm on Wednesday. The sword is described as blue in colour with a handle that looks like a stork or a crane and has a small gold rope wrapped around it. They have a total value of £130.

DS Steve Mounsey, of Burnley CID, said: "This crime is of concern because they are dangerous weapons. We appeal to anybody with information to come forward."

Call Burnley Police on 01282 425001.