Police Warning After Chemicals Are Stolen from Lydney Business

Thursday September 13, 2012

Gloucestershire Police have issued a public safety warning to the Forest of Dean community after a quantity of chemicals were stolen from a business in Whitecroft overnight between Tuesday, September 11, and Wednesday, September 12.

A 30 litre blue drum containing hydrochloric acid and a 30 litre blue drum containing sulphuric acid were stolen. Both of these drums are clearly labelled outlining their contents.

It’s thought that an unknown quantity of potassium cyanide could also have been stolen. It is not known how this could be packaged. The substance looks like white processed sugar.

Police believe the substances may have been discarded in either the Whitecroft of Pillowell areas of Lydney.

These substances are incredibly harmful.

Should any members of the public find them they must not touch them, move away and immediately call the police.

The drums could give off an unusual smell and the public are advised to move away from them until this smell disappears.

If a member of the public finds the Potassium Cyanide they should not touch it and move at least 30 metres away.

Officers have been searching the area for the chemicals and some have been recovered however searches for these remaining items continue today.

Inspector for the area, Rich Boyles, said: “We understand that there will be concern from local residents regarding this warning but we would reassure them that there is currently nothing to suggest that these substances have been left anywhere to intentionally put the public at risk.

“We are offering this warning should people in the area find these drums whilst out and about in the area. As long as the containers are not damaged or opened the substances will be contained.

“If you do find them do not to touch them and immediately call the police.”

Officers arrested an 18-year-old local man at around 2:15pm yesterday, Wednesday September 12, on suspicion of burglary in connection to the incident. He currently remains in police custody.