Police are appealing for help in tracing a stolen white Ford Transit van which held canisters of a corrosive acid.

An Essex police spokesman said the vehicle was taken from Overton Road in Benfleet between 10.30pm and 11pm on Tuesday.

Officers warned the public not to touch the canisters if they did come across them, as they risked severe burns.

Anyone with information about the thefts should contact Rayleigh crime desk on 01268 775533.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.