SIX shotguns were stolen from Duchy Agricultural College on Friday to the concern of police, who are now appealing for information or witnesses to come forward.

The shotguns were taken from a secure gun cabinet during the burglary, which is thought to have happened in the early hours of Friday, March 15. The gun cabinet was removed from the wall and carried around 200 metres away from the scene. The cabinet door was then forced open and the shotguns removed.

During the burglary several desktop computers were also stolen — all of them security-marked.

A police spokesman said: 'Naturally we are concerned that the shotguns have been stolen and there are now six unauthorised weapons in the hands of criminals. We have begun a full investigation and we are keen to locate these stolen items as quickly as possible.

'I would urge anyone who is approached with any similar items for sale, where the origin of the items cannot be clearly demonstrated, to contact us straightaway.'

If anyone has any information in connection with this incident, contact police on 101 and quote crime reference number BN/13/166, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.