A professional mountain biker, Adam Brayton, has been left unable to train after crooks stole £30,000 worth of equipment.

Police have launched an investigation after five custom made bikes were stolen on October 8 between 1.50am and 3.30am from Eskin Street, Keswick..

Officers have confirmed that entry was forced and required equipment.

The thieves have used significant effort to be able to break into the secure metal storage unit.

The bikes are valued at £30,000.

Detective, Mark Ayton, Cumbria Police is urging anyone with information or may have seen or heard anything suspicious to contact them, he said: "These bikes belong to professional mountain biker Adam Brayton. The offenders who have taken them have stolen more than just bikes, they have taken Adam’s means to train and compete.

"I would urge anyone with information to come forward, no matter how insignificant you feel the information may be, it all adds up to help us build the bigger picture.

"We have featured the bikes that have been taken and if you are offered them for sale please remember that handling stolen goods is a crime.

"You should decline any such offers and inform police asap – a “bargain” is not worth a criminal record.

“There have been reports of a white, high-top, Ford panel van sighted leaving the location a short time after the incident and we would like to identify this vehicle as part of our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DC 2229 Ayton on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, quoting log number 38 of October, 8, 2019.