POLICE are warning the public to be on their guard after 20 flares were stolen from a yacht in Hartlepool Marina.

The flares, which were kept in a sealed container, were stolen between December 10 and 12.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said some of the flares were Sowester manufactured and others are parachute flares, which could kill in the wrong hands.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hartlepool police on (01642) 302126.