A STOLEN bow and arrows could prove fatal if they fall into the wrong hands, say police.

The professional long bow and six aluminium arrows were taken from a garage in Fines Park, Annfield Plain, at about 9pm on Tuesday night last week. PC Kieron Walker of Stanley police said: "The bow is old and in poor condition, but is a very dangerous weapon nevertheless.

"If it falls into the wrong hands, the consequences could be fatal."

The green, stainless steel bow, which is in two parts, was inside a hardboard case, along with the arrows, which have round tops and red and white fletching.

In the same raid, the crooks also took two home mechanic kits, a two-and-a-half tonne trailer jack, step ladder, Electrolux vacuum cleaner, punch bag and boxing gloves, and a black, hand-held lamp.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Walker at Stanley police station on (01207) 232144.