GUNS were stolen in a raid on a Herefordshire workshop that modifies weapons for the military.

Police said items including Ministry of Defence assets were among a number of firearms and ammunition stolen from a commercial premises in Kingstone in the early hours of January 3, and an investigation is now underway.

The weapons are believed to have been taken from premises belonging to specialist firearm ceramic coating providers, TAC Coatings, which is based on the Webton Business Park.

The specialist coating offers "enhanced signature management properties", which the manufacturer says significantly reduces detection of items coated under infrared light.

The company, which names the Ministry of Defence and wider government agencies among its clients, declined to comment on the burglary.

Detective Inspector Mark Peters said: “At around 3.45am officers responded to calls of a reported burglary at a commercial premises in Kingstone.

“We believe suspects broke into the property around 3.30am and stole a number of firearms and ammunition.

“I would like to reassure the community that a thorough investigation is under way and my team and I are reviewing a number of lines of enquiry.

“I would ask anyone who has dashcam footage especially in the Kingstone near the Doctor’s Surgery in the area between 11pm and 4am to please let us know. Anyone who has any information that could help with our investigation is asked to please call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident number 053s of January 3”

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.