TRADING standards officers sounded a nationwide alert last night after thieves stole two JCB buckets from a farm infected by foot-and-mouth.

The scoops, fitted to the front of machines used for lifting carcasses, went missing from Manor House Farm at Tunstall, North Yorkshire, on Wednesday night.

Neither had been disinfected and there is little doubt they will be contaminated by the disease.

Trading standards officers are worried they may now be sold on to another farmer who will have no idea what he is buying.

"We are extremely concerned," said North Yorkshire officer, David Sayer. "These buckets could end up on another farm and the implications are very serious."

"We would appeal to the thieves either to return them or to leave them somewhere and contact the police."

The buckets, which measure 6ft by 3ft, are worth about £2,500 each and are so heavy a lorry or a trailer would be needed to remove them.

Anyone who saw something suspicious or think they know who was responsible can contact police on (01609) 783131 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

Information which leads to an arrest may qualify for a reward.