POLICE have issued a warning over a batch of missing drugs which could prove fatal if taken in the wrong quantities.

The liquid Methadone, a heroin substitute, and Diazepam tablets, went missing from a Phoenix Healthcare delivery van somewhere between Burnley and Nelson.

Police said it is not know whether the drugs were stolen or went missing after the driver reported their disappearance upon arrival at a health centre in Nelson on Wednesday at 9.30am.

It is believed they went missing between the arrival time and 8am, when the delivery van left the central depot in Burnley.

The van made a number of deliveries before the missing drugs, which also included other controlled rugs, were discovered.

Police said the unknown quantity of Diazepam, which can be used to suppress cravings, and four 500ml bottles of Methadone, could be lethal if taken in the wrong doses.

The missing drugs were in a clear pink plastic bag, around one-foot long, and the Methadone was in dark plastic bottles, they added.

Sgt Phil Carter of Burnley police said: “A quantity of controlled drugs were stolen. This included Methadone and Diazepam.

“The drugs were reported missing to the police yesterday so we do not know if they were stolen or have just gone missing.

“They were discovered missing upon arrival at a health centre in Nelson.

“This is a warning if anyone comes across these to hand them into the nearest police station.

“These could end up in the wrong hands.

“Taken by the wrong people these drugs can be dangerous and in the wrong quantities they can prove fatal.

“We are not aware of any other drugs going missing recently but just ask people to be on the lookout for these.”

Anyone who comes across the drugs or has any information about them should contact Burnley police 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.