Safety alert after train explosives stolen in Doncaster

Police have warned anyone who sees one of the rail detonators not to touch it, but to call 101

Thieves broke into the plant on Sandall Lane industrial estate, in the Kirk Sandall area of Doncaster, this morning at around 9.40am.

Among the items they stole were a number of rail detonators, which are used to alert people working on the tracks of approaching trains.

Acting Inspector Andy Coulter urged anyone who sees the items pictured not to touch them and to call police on 101.

"Rail detonators are small devices placed on rail tracks to alert people who are working on the line that a train is approaching," he said.

"While these pieces of equipment do not pose a wider risk to the public, as they are detonated when a train travels over them and omit a very loud sound and slight explosion, they are used by trained professionals under strict safety guidelines.

"As such, I’d like to ask that if you do see these items, not to touch them but instead to call us on 101."

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 253 of March 3.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.