Thieves have stolen more than 800 barrels of Guinness by driving off from a depot with two HGV trailers.

About 70,000 pints worth of the stout, estimated to be worth £115,000, were taken from Whitehouse Industrial Estate on Aston Lane in Runcorn on Monday, Cheshire Police said.

One wagon-load was taken at about 19:45 BST and a second one was stolen at about 21:30.

The stolen barrels – which each would hold about 88 pints – had been destined for pubs, the force added.

Det Sgt McClatchy said: “It is famously said that ‘Guinness is good for you’, but that is only the case when it has been bought and paid for.”

One lorry was seen heading in the direction of the Mersey Gateway bridge, and the second headed in the direction of Rainhill and Watkinson Way.

Police said both HGVs were believed to have been driven by men.

The first driver is described as white with a short dark beard and he was wearing a beanie hat, while the second is believed to have been wearing a cap.

It is estimated the total value of the items stolen, including the trailers and the Guinness, is about £205,000.

The trailers are described as white tri-axle curtain side trailers with branding for logistics company GXO on curtains and rear doors.

Police said they have unique numbers on their rear doors in the top left corner.

The numbers of stolen trucks are DL736 or DL542, the force added.

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