BURGLARS targeted a 'unique' historic steamship while she was moored up on the River Weaver.

The Daniel Adamson, fondly known as the Danny, had a window smashed in the early hours of Saturday, May 18, as she lay tied up at Sutton Weaver swing bridge.

Her captain, Dan Cross, reported nothing was stolen, but stock was disturbed.

He said CCTV footage show two sets of ‘visitors’ to the ship throughout the morning: one at 12.30am, and another at 5.15am.

Northwich Guardian: Burglars broke a window and disturbed stock according to her captain, Dan CrossBurglars broke a window and disturbed stock according to her captain, Dan Cross (Image: Dan Cross)

However, he says the footage is ‘a bit patchy’ due to misty conditions overnight.  

Police have dusted for fingerprints, taken the CCTV for analysis, and swabbed an empty alcohol container the intruders appear to have been drinking from on the ship’s rear deck.

Dan said: “We love being back at Sutton Weaver for the summer, but can I please ask if you are passing, to keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour.

“As a charity, this is the last thing any of the volunteers want.”

The Danny is described on its website as 'unique' and ‘a core piece of the UK’s maritime heritage’.

She was rescued for the scrapyard  by the passion and skill of a volunteer force, who run the project and operate the vessel to this day.