Major investigation underway as police search for stolen poison

Police said they are 'incredibly concerned' because the poison, called Talunex, can be fatal to humans if ingested or inhaled. It can even be toxic just by touching it.

The poison, usually used to exterminate rats and moles, has been taken from a Ford Transit van which had been reported stolen from Elswick Street, Darwen on June 22.

The toxic tablets had been stored within the vehicle in a light grey, ammunition-style box above the driver and passenger seat.

The van has since been found abandoned in Blackley, Greater Manchester, but the toxic Talunex is still missing.

Supt Rebecca Boyce, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "The removal of these hazardous materials from the van is incredibly concerning.

"The person or people who removed the Talunex from the van probably did not know how very toxic the chemical is.

"I would like to reassure members of the public that a major investigation is under way to find and safely recover them."

Insp Craig Kelshaw, of Lancashire Police, added: “The theft of this van and the materials it contains is very concerning.

"There is every chance the offenders have little to no idea how dangerous these tablets can be.

"We must stress how important it is that the Talunex is not touched, ingested or inhaled. If this happens, immediate medical assistance must be sought.

"I would also ask those individuals who have taken the vehicle to do the right thing and speak to us so these items can be safely dealt with."

The capsules are light grey, pea-sized spheres with a seam around the centre.

Police are urging anyone who might know of the whereabouts of the poison to come forward immediately.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 0258 of June 22. In an emergency call 999.