A MAGICIAN is offering a reward after more than £2,000 worth of his props vanished into thin air.

Raiders who broke into Daniel Hunt's garage in Butterknowle, County Durham, made off with a haul which included a samurai sword and a box in which he chops up his assistant.

Mr Hunt, 25, said the items were useless to anyone other than an illusionist. He is offering a reward if they are returned in good condition.

He said: "What we can't understand is why anyone would have wanted this stuff - it's no earthly use to anyone."

The equipment included the blunt sword and part of a box used to chop Mr Hunt's girlfriend and assistant, Annette Claire, into quarters. Saws and flame-throwing equipment were also taken.

A box used to squash 20-year-old Miss Claire, which Mr Hunt believes is the only one of its kind, was damaged. The break-in occurred between Tuesday and New Year's Eve.

The couple are due to go on tour with the Chuckle Brothers in a Harry-Potter spoof next month.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01833) 637328.