THIEVES have stolen a public telescope from Runcorn waterfront after vandals struck for the second time.

Halton Council today appealed to the public to help find it.

The black dual-head Digifox binoculars telescope was installed in Mersey Road last year to enable people to get a close-up view of the Mersey Gateway construction work as well as wildlife in the river.

One of the heads was stolen last year and was never found.

The other head was taken on or around April 21 this year and is still missing.

The council says it had been cut from the metal base so the thief would have come prepared with cutting equipment.

The telescope was funded through the High Street Innovation Fund awarded to Runcorn Town Team to help improve the environment around the town centre.

A spokesperson for the team said: “Runcorn Town Team are very disappointed that this has happened for a second time.

“This was intended for local people to be able to view the wildlife and the construction of the new Mersey Gateway.

“It had been enjoyed by many people of all ages and we are shocked and upset that this has been spoilt.”

Anyone with information about the stolen telescope should call Danielle Lightfoot or Sara Munikwa on 0303 333 4300. All information will be treated in confidence.

Alternatively information can be left through Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.