Semi-automatic shotguns taken in 'unusual' Kelbrook burglary Published duration 28 October 2013

image caption Weapons stolen included a Beretta Outlander shotgun, Lancashire Police said

Semi-automatic shotguns have been taken in an "unusual burglary" at a clay pigeon shooting school in Lancashire, police have said.

Eighteen weapons, worth £30,000 in total, were taken overnight between 24 and 25 October from Kelbrook Shooting School, near Barnoldswick.

A Lancashire Constabulary spokesman said the thieves had got into the school through the roof.

One of the guns was found on a nearby footpath by a member of the public.

Det Insp Jim Elston said officers were working with neighbouring forces as the guns may have been "taken out of Lancashire".

The weapons stolen included Browning, Beretta, HatSan, Winchester and Armi Salvinelli shotguns.

Mr Elston said he believed the theft was "pre-planned and I would appeal to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the area, not only on the night of the offence, but in the days and weeks leading up to the offence to come forward".

He said that while officers believed the offenders had been on foot at the school, "we believe that they will have had access to a vehicle which will have been parked up a short distance away".