DETECTIVES are appealing for information after potentially lethal drugs were stolen from Macclesfield District General Hospital.

At about 8.30pm on Tuesday an unknown man gained access to a theatre area at the hospital.

Once inside the room he forced a secure drugs cabinet off the wall, before fleeing with the cabinet and a quantity of controlled medication.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing and officers are currently following a number of lines of enquiry, including CCTV and forensics.

The offender is described as white, of thin build and approximately 5’ 11” tall.

He was wearing a black jacket, grey sweatshirt, dark pants and black trainers.

The man was also carrying a red rucksack with blue straps and a black cap with green stripes.

As part of the investigation officers are appealing for information from the public.

Det Insp Duncan Gouck said: “It’s extremely important that we locate the drugs as soon as possible to ensure nobody comes to harm.

“Even when taken in small doses the stolen drugs can be potentially lethal.

"As part of enquires I’m keen to speak to anyone with any information, no matter how small, which may assist our investigation.”

A spokesman for the trust said: "Following the theft from the hospital premises we are assisting the police with their investigation through access to footage from widespread CCTV cameras in the area concerned; these controlled drugs are dangerous in the hands of non-qualified medical personnel.”

Insp Gouck added: “I would also urge anyone who believes they may have been offered any of the drugs to get in touch with us on 101.

“Alternatively, if you don’t want to speak to officers, information can be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111.

“Anyone in possession of the drugs is urged to hand them into their local police station to help ensure nobody comes to harm."

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML 485431.

Information can also be passed online at cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.