Radioactive material stolen from parked van

A canister of radioactive material has been stolen from the back of a van in Lancashire.

The “small amount” of material is believed to be Iridium 192. Police said the yellow canister, which is marked with the radiation symbol, was taken over the weekend from a Peugeot Panel Van which was parked outside an address on New Line in Bacup.

A spokesman for the Health Protection Agency said that “anyone who has come into prolonged physical contact, such as keeping it in a pocket, should seek medical assistance”. However, the material is not considered dangerous as long as it remains contained in its heavy lead container.

Chief Inspector Russ Procter said: “It is important that this material is located as soon as possible... I would appeal directly to the people who have stolen this. They may have no idea what it is that they have in their possession.”