POLICE have issued a warning after dangerous tablets being carried on a delivery lorry were found to be missing when the driver arrived in Hadlow after a journey from Rye.

The tablets, called Phostoxin and commonly used to control rats and mice, were in eight canisters, each five inches tall and 1.5 inches in diameter.

Each canister had a red top with winged handles and a white label depicting a skull and crossbones. The tablets are green-grey and spherical.

Police say they are highly poisonous and if they come into contact with water may produce a toxic and flammable gas.

Insp Iain Mackenzie said: "On no account should members of the public handle these canisters, or remove the lid and handle the tablets. If found, contact police by dialling 999."

After leaving a farm in Beckley Road, Rye, , the lorry travelled along the A268 through Sandhurst, Hawkhurst and Flimwel. It then took the A21 to Brenchley, turned onto the A26 and stopped briefly at a farm at Etherington Hill, Speldhurst. It then continued on the A26 through Tonbridge High Street to Hadlow.

It was at Hadlow, just before noon on Wednesday, that the tablets were found to be missing.