Silver bullion coated in cyanide was stolen in an armed raid earlier this week in Coventry – and police have issued a safety warning as the coating could potentially prove fatal.

Four masked men forced their way into an electroplating factory in Coventry just after 5.30pm on Monday (12 Jan) before stealing up to 20 bullion bars – each weighing a kilogramme – dipped in a solution containing cyanide.

Detectives have liaised with factory bosses and now issued a warning that the coating could result in nasty burn-like rashes and, if any is accidentally ingested, it could prove fatal.

Detective Sergeant Dean Jones, from Coventry’s Acquisitive Crime Team, said: “The company tell us that the solution used for electroplating is extremely toxic; the thieves may not be aware of the danger it poses and the unsuspecting public need to be made aware in case the thieves try to sell the silver on.

“If anyone has come into contact with the silver bullion the immediate advice is to rinse with fresh water and seek medical attention.

“Around 20-kilos of silver was taken and we are eager to speak to anyone who has been offered a large quantity of silver for sale; I’d urge anyone with knowledge of this robbery or who knows where the silver is being stored to contact us.

“We continue to trawl CCTV and make enquiries and believe the masked robbers made off in a grey BMW. I would also like to appeal to anyone who may have seen people in a grey BMW acting suspiciously or if one has been abandoned near to you then please call with information.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Coventry police on 101. Alternatively people can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.