Metal thieves struck at a Black Country engineering firm stealing part of a rare engine, machinery and tools worth thousands.

The base of a rare combustion engine, dating back to 1887, was taken in the raid at Alexander Higgins and Sons in Lye and bosses were today appealing for its safe return.

Director Malcolm Higgins said tools and machinery made from iron and steel had been stolen from the site in The Hayes. They included historic items dating back more than 100 years.

The iron engine base which was taken, worth a “substantial amount”, had been repaired by the firm and was waiting to be collected by customer John Palmer who is from Yeovil in Somerset.

Mr Higgins, who said the thieves broke in sometime between 4pm on Saturday and 9am on Monday, said he was not sure yet how much it would cost to replace stolen items but said the bill would run into thousands of pounds.

“We were shocked. We have never had anything like this happen before. We were disappointed to discover a customer’s item had been stolen too. We are hoping it will turn up and he can get it back,” he said.

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