THIEVES have targeted a Widnes pub just a week after its landlord was stabbed to death.

Some time between 6pm on Friday and lunchtime on Sunday unknown offenders broke into the Hammer and Pincer public house on Liverpool Road.

Once inside they searched the pub and stole a quantity of cash from fruit machines and the staff tip jar.

They also took the keys to a van parked outside the premises.

The vehicle belonged to landlord Christian Thornton, 49, who died from stab wounds after an incident near pub in Liverpool Road on the afternoon of Sunday, August 11.

The white Ford Transit has since been found abandoned on Cherry Sutton, Widnes.

The burglary came to light when Mr Thornton's family visited the pub after discovering his van had been found abandoned.

Detective Sergeant Roberts, of Widnes local policing unit, said: "Christian's family have been left devastated by his death and the last thing they needed was to find out that the pub, to which he had devoted the last 16 years of his life, had been targeted by callous thieves.

"Following Christian's death there has been an outpouring of grief from the local community and I am now appealing to them for any information which may help in our investigation.

"I would like to hear from anyone who believes that they have seen anyone acting suspiciously near to the Hammer and Pincer on Friday 16 or Saturday 17 August.

"I also want to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen Christian's van, a white Ford Transit Connect with a distinctive large red poppy on the front, being driven around.

"I urge anyone with any footage or information that may be relevant to our investigation, no matter how small, to get in touch with the team here at Widnes so that we can help trace the people responsible for this appalling incident and bring them to justice."

Anyone with information that may aid detectives with their investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 489972, give the details via

https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries

or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Dashcam footage can be submitted online at

www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/roads-and-vehicle-safety/submit-dashcam-footage

Lee Abbott, aged 35, of no fixed abode, Widnes, was arrested and charged with Mr Thornton's murder and possession of an offensive weapon following the fatal stabbing on Sunday.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter during an appearance at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.

A trial date has been set for February 10 next year.

A 39-year-old woman who was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has subsequently been bailed pending further inquiries.