TWO industrial welding gas canisters have been stolen from a Worcester-based training centre.

The two Argonshield blue steel bottles, containing a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide, were taken from Worcestershire Group Training in Sunnyside Road, near Gheluvelt Park, Barbourne, between 4.30pm on Tuesday and 8.30am yesterday.

A police spokesman said officers believed the thieves knew what they were stealing and how to handle the contents of the canisters.

However, there were fears they could be dumped and handled by someone not familiar with them and their use for metal inert gas (MIG) welding.

“If anyone finds either of the 12-inch diameter canisters they are advised to call the police and leave them for officers and/or the fire service to deal with,” he said.

Worcester Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000, quoting 218S/211009.