POLICE urgently searching for dangerous chemicals stolen from a Forest company are quizzing a local teenager.

A public safety warning was issued this morning after drums of deadly acid and a quantity of cyanide went missing from a Whitecroft firm.

Police are warning the public that the chemicals are dangerous and must not be touched or breathed in.

Scores of police are searching the Whitecroft and Pillowell area and the public are being told to be on their guard.

They have found some but not all of the chemicals and are worried a member of the public will find them.

They have sealed off two homes in the village and Inspector Rich Boyles, said: "We understand that there will be concern from local residents regarding this warning but we would reassure them that there is currently nothing to suggest that these substances have been left anywhere to intentionally put the public at risk.

"We are offering this warning should people in the area find these drums whilst out and about in the area. As long as the containers are not damaged or opened the substances will be contained.

"If you do find them do not to touch them and immediately call the police."

Officers believe the chemicals were stolen from a business in Whitecroft overnight between Tuesday, September 11, and Wednesday, September 12.

A 30 litre blue drum containing hydrochloric acid and a 30 litre blue drum containing sulphuric acid are clearly labelled outlining their contents.

But emergency services are more worried about an unknown quantity of potassium cyanide which could also have been stolen.

The substance looks like white processed sugar and they don't know it might be packaged.

As well as burning skin on contact it gives off highly toxic fumes

Police warn all the substances are incredibly harmful and telling members of the public not to touch them.

The drums could give off an unusual smell and the public are advised to move away from them until this smell disappears.

If a member of the public finds the Potassium Cyanide they should not touch it and move at least 30 metres away.

Officers arrested an 18-year-old local man at around 2:15pm yesterday, Wednesday September 12, on suspicion of burglary in connection to the incident.

He currently remains in police custody.