A VET has warned that drugs stolen from his surgery in Long Melford could be lethal if taken by humans.

The premises of Swayne and Partners Vet’s in Little St Mary’s were broken into on Monday night and a cabinet containing animal medication was stolen. The thieves also took several charity boxes.

According to practice partner Simon Culmstock, the drugs including somulose, fentanyl patches and methadone are used as pain relief and anaesthesia in animals, and could be harmful if taken by people.

He said it was unusual for a veterinary practice to be targeted in this way, as most had systems in place to limit access to dangerous drugs.

He said: “These drugs are regularly used to treat family pets and some are used for euthanasia in larger animals – in the wrong hands they are potentially very dangerous. I am concerned that if anyone has taken them for recreational use, they could even prove fatal.

“Police are also concerned that the thieves might get the cabinet open, realise the drugs are no use to them and then discard them. The public needs to be aware that these drugs shouldn’t be messed with, and anyone who finds them should contact the police so they can be dealt with correctly.”

Mr Culmstock said he was particulalry upset by the theft of the charity boxes, adding: “These boxes are to help raise money for local animal welfare organisations including Sesaw, Bury Stray Cat Fund, the RSPCA and the PDSA.

“These charities struggle with looking after animals as it is, especially over the festive period and they rely on public donations. They are all feeling the pinch in the run up to Christmas and the loss of any income source will be a big blow for them.”

A spokeswoman for Suffolk Police said the burglary took place between 10.30pm on October 22 and 7.45am the following day. They are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to contact Sudbury Pc Christopher Battershall on 101.