Safety warning after detonators stolen

Buy photos » Police are warning people to be on the lookout after railway detonators like the one pictured were stolen in Stretton under Fosse. (s)

POLICE are warning people to be on the lookout after six detonators were stolen from a van in Stretton under Fosse.

The detonators are designed to let off a loud bang on impact and are placed on the track by railway staff to warn maintenance workers working further along the line of approaching trains.

They could be dangerous if used by untrained hands, especially those of children or teenagers.

The detonators are described as small discs, around 5cm in diameter and with two lead strips on either side.

They were stolen yesterday (Wednesday) from a van parked in Smeaton Lane, near Stretton Wharf.

A spokeswoman for Warwickshire Police said: "We are obviously concerned for the safety of the individuals who have the detonators, regardless of their age, and would urge anyone who finds the detonators or has information on their whereabouts to contact us as soon as possible."

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