'Potentially lethal' acid stolen

Thieves have stolen 54 litres of a "potentially lethal" chemical from a factory, police said.

Hydrofluoric acid - which is used for industrial cleaning - was taken from the factory in Dereham, Norfolk, early on Wednesday.

A Norfolk Police spokeswoman said the chemical could cause deep tissue burns if it touched skin and gave off strong fumes which could be fatal.

Police urged anyone with information about the theft to get in touch.

"It is a strong, highly corrosive acid which is used for industrial cleaning," the spokeswoman added.

She said officers believe the thieves transferred the chemical from its original container into smaller containers.