SAFETY warnings have been issued by police after a unique stove was stolen from a shed in Church.

Officers are warning thieves not to fit the gas stove in a house, caravan or boat because of fears it would not be suitable and it could leak deadly gas.

Thieves climbed an allotment fence off Queens Road West and Meadow Way and broke into a locked shed before removing the black and chrome iron stove.

Officers said the stove is ‘unique and easily recognisable’ and ‘would need at least two people to remove it from the shed due to its weight’.

The burglary took place sometime between 9pm Monday, August 10 and 11.30am on Tuesday, August 11 at the Meadow Way allotments.

The theft is being linked to a series of other shed break-ins in the area.

Police Community Support officer (PCSO) Becky Miller, of Accrington police, said: “We are concerned that if this stove is put into a house, caravan or boat it would be unsuitable and unsafe and would not pass the relevant safety checks.

“The stove is powered by gas and was used by the owner to make hot drinks on the allotments.

“Our fears are the stove could leak gas and cause series damage to a persons health if it leaked in a poorly ventilated room.”

Officers are now investigating the theft and are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.

PCSO Miller said: “We just want to get it back for the owner. It is unique so it will be easily recognisable.

“We are linking the theft to a series of shed break-ins in the area and I would urge anyone offered the stove on a buy and sell page, in the street or in a business to contact us.”

CCTV in the area is being checked and officers are conducting house to house inquiries.

Anyone with any information should PC Maggie Whitehead or PCSO Becky Miller on 01254 353103.