Fleeing thieves drop gas bottles

A BRISTOL street was closed after two gas bottles were abandoned by thieves as they fled from a nearby tyre shop on Wells Road.

The pair pilfered the cylinders of oxy-acetylene, a flammable gas used for welding, from the store before dropping them on Hengrove Avenue.

A witness called the police at 10.40pm on Monday, to report the burglary and officers attended within five minutes, but the suspects had already fled. Police searched the area and found the gas cylinders abandoned on the residential street.

The road was closed for about an hour while fire crews attended to make sure the cylinders were safe and undamaged. They were returned to the tyre shop. The suspects were described as two young men in dark clothing.

Investigations continue and if you have any information which could help, call 101 quoting reference 5221151155. Alternatively you can ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.