POLICE have issued a warning after the theft of bottles of industrial strength alcohol which could 'kill anyone that drinks it'.

The bottles of isopropyl, which is not for human consumption, were taken from a Mercedes vehicle outside a factory unit in Blackhill, Consett, County Durham, at about 2pm on Monday.

Officers have warned that the alcohol, which is 99.9 per cent proof is lethal and that anyone who drinks it would die.

A male is believed to have stolen at least two 300ml bottles of the substance, and an investigation into the theft is ongoing.

A spokesman for Consett police said: “Any assistance in locating this male would be appreciated.”

The police non-emergency number is 101.