A model space rocket stolen from a car in north Essex could cause serious burns, warn police.

The rocket, known as The Outlaw and sold in kit form, contains three small motors filled with solid fuel chemical propellant.

The rocket kit and three empty rocket shells were taken from the car of Andrew Denholm , 30, which was parked outside his house in Swan Street, Sible Hedingham.

Mr Denholm works as sales manager of Halstead firm Rocket Science, and the £14 kit was taken on Thursday.

He said: "I'm worried if they've fallen into the hands of people who won't set them off properly.

"The rockets can reach heights of up to 1,400 feet and speeds of up to 250mph. At that speed the rocket becomes a bullet."

Mr Denholm added that the motors could go off accidentally if placed beside a fire or radiator and urged the thieves to hand in the rockets at a police station. Police said: "These rockets can be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands."

The plastic rockets were from 12-24 inches in height and are able to rise 600 feet in six seconds.

Anyone with information about the rockets is asked to contact PC Geoff Tappendon at Castle Hedingham police on 01787 460550 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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