More than £40,000 of beef has been stolen from a factory in Banbury.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the raid at Tadmarton Products, in Thorpe Way, at the weekend.

Between 5pm on Saturday and noon on Sunday, thieves forced a rear door at the company's warehouse.

Once inside, they loaded £40,000 of beef cuts and a safe containing £5,000 into two distinctive white box vans belonging to the company. One van was later recovered on Sunday in the Witton area of Birmingham.

Dc Percival, of Thames Valley Police, who is investigating the incident, said: "I would like to hear from any members of the public who are offered cheap fillets or strips of beef for sale. Although it may be tempting at this time of year to buy cheap beef, these cuts are stolen property and anyone offered the chance to buy them should contact the police immediately."

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.