Trailers used to steal more than 800 barrels of Guinness have been found in Skelmersdale, some 30 miles (km) from where they were stolen, police said.

About 70,000 pints worth of the stout, estimated to be worth £115,000, was taken from Whitehouse Industrial Estate on Aston Lane in Runcorn on 31 August, Cheshire Police said.

One wagon-load was taken at about 19:45 BST and a second one was stolen at about 21:30.

Lancashire Police said the barrels - which hold about 88 pints and were destined for pubs - have not been found yet nor have there been any arrests and detectives were appealing for information.

One lorry was seen heading in the direction of the Mersey Gateway bridge, and the second headed in the direction of Rainhill and Watkinson Way.

It is estimated the total value of the items stolen, including the trailers and the Guinness, was about £205,000.

The HGVs used to transport the Guinness were believed to have been driven by two men. The first man is described as white with a short dark beard and was wearing a beanie hat and the second believed to be wearing a cap.

One trailer was left in the Hall Lane area shortly after 03:05 on Tuesday with the second dumped in the Gillibrands Road area shortly after midday on Wednesday.

As the second trailer was deposited at the site, the HGV that had been carrying it is believed to have pulled out in front of a silver/white Renault Captur being driven by a learner driver.

Det Sgt McClatchey said: "Whilst I am glad we have located the HGV trailers taken from the depot some 30 miles away in Runcorn, our enquires into identifying who was behind this large-scale theft, along with the recovery of the stolen stout, remains ongoing.

"With that, we are now asking any residents of the wider Skelmersdale area, who may have seen anything suspicious or sighted the lorry trailers that housed the Guinness barrels, to please get in touch with police.

"In particular, we would like to speak to the learner driver or instructor that was in the Renault Captur when the the second HGV is believed to have deposited the trailer.

"We would also like to hear from any local businesses or anyone who has been approached out of the blue regarding the purchase of barrels of Guinness over the past few days.

"I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that these kegs are stolen goods that are being sold on by black market criminals, so I would urge anyone who has any suspicions as to where a prospective seller may have got their goods from to contact police."

The trailers are described as white tri-axle curtain side trailers with branding for logistics company GXO on curtains and rear doors.

Police said they have unique numbers on their rear doors in the top left corner.

The numbers of stolen trucks are DL736 or DL542, the force added.

Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.