THIEVES stole a tanker from a Middlewich company and took it for a two-hour joyride.

The culprits crept into a secure compound at Strata Surveys, in Holmes Chapel Road, and hotwired the white Mercedes Benz lorry before driving it through the heavy metal gates to escape shortly before 9.30pm on Thursday.

It was found two hours later dumped in Caxton Close, Wigan.

Chris Wakefield, from Strata Surveys, said: "They stole the tanker and used it to smash the gates right off, these are substantial gates so they must have driven at a great speed, they have completely wrecked them.

"It must have made a hell of a noise and if anyone had been nearby they could have been badly hurt because they just smashed right through the gates."

The tanker, which is used to clean out cesspits, did not contain any hazardous material.

Sgt Chris Pyatt, from Congleton Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: "It is quite an unusual one - stealing this sort of lorry.

"We believe they have gone into the compound, gained entry to the vehicle, hot wired it and driven it at the fence to get out on the road."

The thieves damaged the vehicle's ignition, but no other damage is believed to have been caused.

No one has yet been arrested in connection with the incident, but police confirmed that inquiries were ongoing and are now appealing for witnesses.

If you saw anything suspicious or have any information call the Middlewich CAT team on 0845 458 6382.