Burglars stole three racing car engines worth more than £35,500 from a workshop on a small industrial estate near Sutton on Trent.

The offence happened at around 8.15am on Saturday, June 20 from Newark Engines, Great North Road, while the owner and a mechanic worked on a vehicle in a rear yard.

PC Tony Hayes said: “The engines were on pallets in the entrance area to the garage by reception. The door had been left closed but unlocked whilst the owner and a mechanic worked on a vehicle in the rear yard.

“The mechanic has said he heard a noise about 8.15am but thought nothing of it. When they returned the property had been stolen.”

The engines are for Lotus racing cars and cannot be used for any other purpose.

Nottinghamshire Police is appealing for anyone who has information about these offences to contact PC Hayes on 01636-605999 ext 7670 or to ring anonymously Crimestoppers 0800-555111.