POLICE are hunting a gang who stole six tonnes of expensive copper cable wire in an overnight raid.

The thieves struck at an industrial unit, in Manor Park, which was locked up for the night.

They forced open the secured premises and loaded up trucks with 120 large copper wire reels, each weighing 50 kilograms.

Police are remaining tight-lipped about the identity of the company raided but say the stolen copper is of 'high value'.

"We're appealing to anyone who is offered it to buy or has spotted it being stored to contact us," said PC Helen Stacey at Runcorn's special investigations unit.

"We believe that due to the sheer weight of these reels, either a small HGV or two transit vans were used."

The wire reels are described as looking 'like giant cotton reels', around 40cm tall and covered in blue, brown or black insulation.

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened between 4.45pm on Monday, June 5 and 7.30am the next day, should contact PC Stacey on 01244-613989.