DETECTIVES are on the look our for a boiler thief after nine have been reported stolen in the last three months.

In the latest incident, a combi boiler worth £700 was stolen from an empty house in Avondale Road, Darwen, after thieves forced their way into the property and ripped it off the wall.

Officers said they were linking it to a string of incidents where boilers were taken from empty houses or buildings undergoing renovation.

Since January there have now been nine thefts at different houses with more than £5,000 worth of boilers and radiators stolen.

Det Sgt Ian Critchley said anyone offered cheap central heating or with information should contact Darwen CID on 01254 353841.