Get the stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A LARGE quantity of nitrous oxide - commonly known as laughing gas - has been stolen from a hospital.

Twenty six blue cylinders containing the gas, which each reach a height of around 5ft 6in and hold 9000 litres, were stolen at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary in Dumfries.

The gas, which is used in anaesthetics, was taken from the gas compound store at the hospital at some point between Saturday and yesterday.

It is thought they are worth around £4000.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the back of the hospital and might have seen something suspicious to get in contact.

Officers said they are keen to trace two people in a white van fitted with two roof bars which was seen in the area between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday.