POLICE are appealing for the public's help to trace a drum of potentially hazardous chemicals missing from a depot in Trafford Park.

The 25kg drum containing 20 litres of trimethylsilylnitrile, arrived at the depot of a business courier in December from Germany and had been due to be transferred to Heysham in Lancashire. It was reported missing on Saturday.

Police have searched the Trafford Park depot and a number of other business premises in Greater Manchester and Lancashire. The chemical is not dangerous to the public if it remains in the sealed container, but if it comes into contact with water or damp conditions it may produce potentially lethal cyanide fumes.

Detective Chief Inspector Julian Ross from Stretford CID today said: "If anyone sees this container they should contact the police as soon as possible, do not touch it and under no circumstances should they attempt to open it. If anyone has already come into contact with the chemical, they should contact a doctor immediately and let the police know where the container is. The container is a brick red colour and is about 54cm in height. Anyone who has seen this drum should contact the police at Stretford on 0161 856 7640."