TWENTY ONE drain covers valued at £10,000 have been stolen in a series of thefts across Blackburn and Darwen.

Police said the incidents have taken place throughout the last two weeks.

And a bearded man using a Ford Transit van is being hunted in connection with the thefts.

PC David Byrne investigating said: "The total cost of this is thought to run into thousands of pounds because the entire surround of the grid has to be removed in order to refit them.

“We estimate the cost of replacing all of the stolen objects is expected to be over £10,000.

"We have had a number of reports of a man seen acting suspiciously in the areas and I would urge anyone who may have any information to come forward.”

Grates have been taken from Progress Street, Meadow Street, Whalley Crescent, Ellenshaw Road, School Street, Tythebarn Street, Marsh House Lane, Bury Fold Lane, Green Arms Road , Entwistle Street, Greenway Street, Watery Lane, Alfred Street, Blackburn Road and Woodville Terrace in Darwen.

They have also been stolen from Harrison Street, Lincoln Road, and Accrington Road in Blackburn.

The man police are hunting is described as white, aged between 35 and 40 years old with dark brown hair and a goatee beard.

He has been seen in company with a woman and child and they travel in a white Ford Transit van.

Anyone with any information can contact police on 08451 25 35 45 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.