SHOTGUNS have been stolen from a Swindon shooting club and police fear they may fall into the wrong hands.

The theft of the five double-barrelled guns was discovered yesterday (Wednesday) and officers have no idea where they have gone.

The club from where the weapons were taken is not being named by police, for fear the premises will be targeted in the future.

Police spokeswoman Alvina Kumar said: "We are anxious to recover these stolen shotguns as a matter of urgency and are concerned that they may be used for offences of poaching or other such criminal activities.

"Anyone who is approached about the sale of these guns should report it to Swindon police straight away. We do not want these weapons falling into the wrong hands and are extremely anxious to retrieve them as quickly as possible."

The burglary happened sometime during Tuesday night and the guns were discovered missing at 8am yesterday.

Mrs Kumar said: "The premises were on the outskirts of Swindon and I am not naming the club due its rural, isolated location, which may make it vulnerable to further attack."

The burglars managed to break into a large secure container and steal five shotguns, estimated to be worth a total of £4,000. No ammunition or clay pigeon shooting equipment was taken along with the guns.

The stolen guns are described as a FN shotgun (.410 bore), Browning shotgun (28 bore), Beretta shotgun (28 bore), Miroku shotgun (12 bore) and another Miroku shotgun (20 bore).

The bore relates to the diameter of the barrel. The most common size is 12 bore which measures roughly 2cm, 20 bore is slightly smaller, followed by 28 bore and .410 bore.

All the weapons have protective pads labelled with the words Kickeez and Cheekeez, and they all have over and under double barrels.

Witnesses to the burglary, anyone with information and those who have been approached about the sale of the guns, should phone Swindon CID on 01793 528111.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.