HAIR-BRAINED thieves attempted to get away with transporting more than 3,000 litres of stolen fuel in the back of a van.

The thieves made a run for it after getting caught during a routine inspection at Stephensons of Essex Bus Depot in Rochford on Sunday evening.

They were disturbed while stealing diesel which was being pumped into containers on the back of a Ford Luton van.

The intruders are believed to have got into the compound and extended the hose from the diesel supply tank which was being used to transfer the fuel. In total 3,500 litres worth £3,500 had been loaded onto the van whilst the thieves went to get further containers to complete the transfer.

After getting caught they drove the van at high speed into a play ground behind the coach depot with the diesel hose still attached.

Lyn Watson, the company's finance director, said: "The police responded very quickly with deployment of their helicopter and sniffer dogs, but could not trace the individuals responsible.

"The van had been abandoned in the park with the diesel still in the containers, and police stayed with it all night to ensure it was secure."

The company has offered a reward of £250 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

Julia Pack, spokesperson for Essex Police, said: "The van was found abandoned. We are looking for two men who are both white and both about 6ft. One wore a black hoodie and with black bottoms and the other wore a grey hoodie and grey bottoms."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0300 333 4444