Police are again appealing for information about a van stolen from Darwen after the extremely hazardous materials it contained have gone missing.

At around 7.20am on Monday June 22, Lancashire Police were called to reports that a Ford Transit van with the number plate ND59 VBE, containing hazardous materials, had been stolen from the Darwen area of Lancashire.

It was found around 11:45 this morning (July 1) in Leconfield Drive, Blackley.

The hazardous materials it contained at the time it was stolen have gone missing.

The van contained a material called Talunex which is used to control vermin.

According to police Talunex is "very toxic if swallowed and emits a very toxic gas upon contact with water and acids.

"Talunex should only be handled by specially trained operators."

It is said to be in tablet form which were last stored in a grey aluminium box.

A police investigation is now underway with no casualties or arrests reported so far.

Superintendent Rebecca Boyce, of GMP's City of Manchester district, said: "The removal of these hazardous materials from the van is incredibly concerning but I would like to reassure members of the public that a major investigation is underway to find and safely recover them.

"The person/people who removed the Talunex from the van probably did not know how very toxic the chemical is.

"I appeal directly to them to contact us or Crimestoppers, anonymously, and share the location of the Talunex so that specialists can safely recover it.

"I must stress that the Talunex should not be touched, sniffed or eaten. If this happens, please seek medical assistance immediately.

"I also appeal to members of the public to be alert and to dial 999 immediately if they have seen or do see anything which may be the Talunex or any of the other hazardous materials which have been removed from the van.

"Do not touch, sniff or eat it."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 999 quoting log 943 of 01/07/20 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 554 111.