Police are appealing for information and urging people to be vigilant after a van containing hazardous materials was stolen from an address in Darwen.

Police were called around 7.20am on Monday (June 22) to reports a Ford Transit van had been stolen in the Elswick Street area.

Officers have since received further information the van, registration plate ND59 VBE, contained a hazardous material called Talunex, a vermin poison used to exterminate rats and moles. Talunex is fatal if ingested or inhaled and toxic if touched. Each tablet is spherical, the size of a garden pea, light grey in colour with a seam around the centre (pictured).

The poison is within the vehicle in a light grey, ammunition-style box above the driver and passenger seat.

The van also contained some petrol, fertiliser, pesticide and equipment including strimmers, chainsaws and a back pack leaf blower.

Police are appealing for information and urging anyone who knows where the van or its contents are to come forward immediately.

Insp Craig Kelshaw, of Lancashire Police, said: “The theft of this van and the materials it contains is very concerning.

“There is every chance the offenders have little to no idea how dangerous these tablets can be. We must stress how important it is that the Talunex is not touched, ingested or inhaled. If this happens, immediate medical assistance must be sought.

“I would urge people to be vigilant and if you have any information to come forward as soon as possible. I would also ask those individuals who have taken the vehicle to do the right thing and speak to us so these items can be safely dealt with.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of finding this van and the materials it contains. Please contact us if you can help.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 0258 of June 22. In an emergency call 999.

It is the year of the Rat so it could be on its way to the Pier Head plenty of vermin to clear there.