POLICE are hunting for a gang who stole three vans worth £66,000 from a council transport depot.

A Ford Transit van, a Mercedes Sprinter mini-bus and a Ford Transit tipper van, which are all white, were taken from the Davyfield Road site in Blackburn following a break-in on Tuesday night.

Detectives are now examining CCTV from the Blackburn with Darwen Council depot in the hope of uncovering further clues about the theft.

The Ford Transit van was recovered after it was found dumped in Buxton Street, Accrington, on Wednesday.

Bosses at the council said the Mercedes mini-bus was used to transport disabled people but that its theft was not causing a problem as other vehicles could be used.

Det Sgt Ian Geogarty said: "The building was locked at the time, but a cutting device was used to make a hole in the shutters.

"We don't think it was someone acting alone, it was probably a group of people using another vehicle."

The break-in happened between 10pm on Tuesday and 12.20am on Wednesday.

"We think the building was searched for some time before the vehicles were taken," added DS Geogarty.

The van already recovered was worth £11,000, the second Ford with a registration of X995 MKM was worth £20,000, and the Mercedes, registration V955 ENE, was worth £35,000.

Anyone with information about the theft should call Darwen CID on 01254 353842 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Peter Hunt, director of the environment department, said: "The vehicles stolen were a minibus adapted for disabled passengers, a transit van and another vehicle.

"The minibus was used to transport people with disabilities to day facilities in the borough.

"The council does have the use of other vehicles for this purpose, so there has not been any disruption."