CHESHIRE Police are advising the public to be aware after an officer lost a taser cartridge in the course of his duties.

The constabulary advise that the piece of equipment is not harmful.

It was lost between 10am-6pm on Wednesday, October 2.

Police said that the officer had carried out extensive duties across the county.

At some point the cartridge which was attached to his equipment vest became detached and has yet to be located.

Insp Dave Price said: "The cartridge is safe to handle, and there is no risk providing it is not tampered with in any way. If found it should be handed into the nearest police station.

"This is a very rare event and a full internal review is underway."