The Sea Cadets minibus at the group’s headquarters on Strand Road

Joyriders who stole the Preston Sea Cadets minibus for three nights are being hunted by police.

The bright blue minibus was taken from the Sea Cadets HQ on Strand Road between 8pm and 10.30pm on Sunday 24 June.

The bus was recovered by police on Wednesday morning on Bank Parade, Avenham.

Reports place the bus in Frenchwood on Tuesday.

The bus is no longer roadworthy for the Sea Cadets to use after the cowling of the vehicle was badly damaged.

Detective Sergeant Paul Whitehead from Preston Target Team said: “This theft has had a devastating impact on the group. Despite it now being recovered the cowling of the vehicle has been severely damaged and it may be that vehicle is no longer roadworthy.

“I would appeal to anybody that saw the mini-bus anytime between Sunday night and Wednesday morning or with any information about this offence to come forward and contact police.”

Anyone with any information should call Lancashire Police on 101.

People with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Image credit to Tony Worrall