PEOPLE are being warned about the health risk from handling specialist asbestos removal equipment which has been stolen from a site in Bexley.

The equipment, which includes five specialist vacuum cleaners and a “wash down” box trailer, was taken from the site of the former changing rooms at Hall Place in Bourne Road, which have now been replaced by a new pavilion.

Specialist contractors are currently stripping asbestos from the building before it is demolished.

Bexley Council is warning anyone who may be offered any of the stolen equipment, it is contaminated with asbestos.

It was stolen over several days and nights, despite the site being fenced and padlocked and the equipment locked away.

Each of the vacuum cleaners is yellow and cyclindrical with a black top and needs a transformer to work off mains power.

The white “wash down” trailer includes a special airlock, washroom/shower and a generator.

A specialist reciprocal saw was also taken.

Anyone with information should call 0300123 1212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.