A CAR carrying explosive devices used to warn train drivers of impending danger has been stolen.

The 10 Railtrack detonators were among £5,000 worth of tools which were stolen from outside a tree surgeon's home, in Shepherds Green, Chislehurst.

The man, who police believe had been working for the company, had left the tools in his Range Rover when it was stolen.

The small firework-sized detonators are placed underneath the track and are designed to explode when a train goes over them.

A spokesman for Network Rail, Railtrack's replacement, said: "If a detonator goes off, the driver knows there is someone working nearby or danger ahead and will automatically stop.

"They can be set off by extremely high pressure and could go off in a bonfire.

"They are not particularly dangerous, just like a banger, but louder."

Police are keen to trace the missing vehicle, registration number P368 FEC, taken at about 6pm on January 21 and driven away towards the Sidcup bypass.

Witnesses saw a gang of five youths, who were all white, and aged about 19, in the area.

Call police on 020 8284 8878 with information.