POLICE issued an urgent warning today after potentially-lethal drugs were stolen from a house in Southampton.

The insulin pens and associated tablets vanished in a break-in at Cheriton Avenue, Harefield, yesterday, along with £60 cash.

Today, police appealed for anyone with information about the missing drugs - prescribed to diabetics - to come forward.

Det Insp Richard Pearson, head of Bitterne CID, said: "This medication could be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands.

"We are obviously keen to get it back and would appeal for anyone who knows of its whereabouts to let police know as soon as possible."

A spokesman for Southampton and South West Hampshire Health Commission said: "Using insulin without supervision could be serious or even life-threatening, particularly in the case of children.

"One of these insulin pens would probably be enough to kill an adult, so it is important they do not get into the wrong hands or are used inappropriately."

Police said the two insulin pens and 30 Mixtard insulin capsules had belonged to a 44-year-old man.

The break-in happened between midday and 5.30pm yesterday, when the man's son returned home to find the house ransacked.

Any information on the burglary or missing drugs to Bitterne police on 0845 045 4545, or the free and anonymous Southern Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.