A trailer containing explosive chemicals has been stolen from a garage.

Now police are warning the public to be on their guard as the trailer holds 22 drums of a flammable and combustible metal powder.

The trailer is grey, 13.5 metres long with Eurosped International Transport in blue lettering. It was taken from behind the Q8 garage, Colchester Road, Weeley, between midday Saturday and 7.30am on Monday.

Three wooden pallets hold the 50kg steel drums which contain a mixture of Cobalt and Camarium which is flammable and liable to spontaneous combustion.

Sgt Steve Kettle, of Clacton police, said the hazardous chemicals signs from the trailer had been torn off and people might not realise the danger of the trailer's contents.

He said information has been passed to the fire brigade which had up to date information on the dangers of the substances.

The metal powder will also react with water and generates its own heat. Sgt Kettle said if the product was found burning firefighters would have to use powder instead of water as flammable and toxic gases can be produced if the substance gets wet.

He added: "If any drums containing any chemical are found, people are urged to call police and the fire brigade immediately."

Lorry driver Alan Jones said the chemicals had been loaded at Thetford and were on their way to Switzerland via Dover.

He said the important thing was to locate the trailer and find out what had happened to the chemicals.

If anyone comes into contact with the substance they should not smoke and if the powder is on clothes they should be discarded.

Any powder in the eyes should be washed out with water for at least 15 minutes to prevent any unhealthy reaction. Immediate medical attention should also be sought.

Anyone who finds the trailer or drums should contact the fire brigade or Clacton police immediately on 01255 221312

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