Burglars warned of asbestos risk

Burglars who broke into a former social club in West Bromwich are being urged to seek medical advice as they may have come into contact with blue asbestos.

The Lyng Social Club buildings in Horton Street remain sealed off after the break-in over the Easter weekend.

Part of the ceiling was brought down by the burglars, revealing a roof space filled with the hazardous material.

The thieves escaped with a haul including TVs, amps and a projector.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, who acquired the building last year, said the discovery of asbestos had major health implications.

They have called in the Health and Safety Executive along with specialist contractors.

The Lyng estate is currently undergoing a multi million pound regeneration project.

Councillor Bob Badham from Sandwell Council said: "What they have done is disturbed what looks like blue asbestos which is the most dangerous of the asbestos materials.

"If they have breathed in any of this dust from the blue asbestos their health will be in jeopardy."