DETECTIVES in Nelson are appealing from information from the public after £3,000 of stone wall was stolen.

The theft occurred sometime between Friday evening and Saturday morning in South Fold Lane. Over 10 tonnes of saddle stones were removed from a wall.

There are no witnesses to the crime, which took place in a secluded and unlit part of the town.

Police believe that the theft would have taken a long time to complete and that the perpetrators could strike again.

A spokesman for Nelson CID said: "They would have been there for a long time removing the stone and would have required quite a large vehicle to remove it."

Stone from walls and traditional flag stones from streets and houses have been a popular target for thieves as they can be sold on the black market for relatively high prices.

"There is always a buyer for this kind of stone and that's why it is always being stolen", added the spokesman.

Anyone with information about the theft should call Nelson CID on: 01282 472645.