A KEEN gardener is warning thieves who stole his lawn mower not to switch it on -- for fear of causing an explosion.
Julien King, aged 35, had left the £1,500 mower outside his home because it had developed a petrol leak.
He was waiting for the petrol to drain away before he could carry out a repair. But it was stolen and wheeled away.
Mr King said: "I urge whoever has taken it not to start the machine.
The engine will heat up and then the mower will just blow. It could easily kill somebody."
The red and black mower is made by Mountfield and was used by Mr King to cut the extensive lawns of his home on Andrew Lane, Astley Bridge. Police believe it was wheeled away along Ashover Close.
Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you spot the mower.
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