TWO heavy duty batteries and an industrial pump were stolen from a construction site in Clitheroe.

Police have launched an investigation after the theft from the Caterpillar excavator, in Woone Lane, which officers said would enable the thieves to steal 50 litres of diesel a minute.

PC Nicola Connell said: “These people were professional because they have not smashed it up. It happened between 4pm on Monday and 7.30am on Tuesday.”