GARDAÍ IN LIMERICK have issued a public warning after 30 kilograms of a severely caustic substance, and 30 litres of a corrosive acid, were stolen from a factory on the outskirts of the city overnight.

The substances were stolen from a factory at the Enterprise Centre on the Kilmallock Road on the south outskirts of the city in the early hours of the morning.

Two white 15-kilogram drums of caustic soda, and two similarly-sized yellow drums of nitric acid, were taken in the raid.

Caustic soda, a white and slightly lumpy substance, is corrosive to metals and can be extremely dangerous if it comes into contact with human skin, or is inhaled.

Nitric acid is corrosive to all parts of the body but can be particularly damaging if it comes into contact with the eyes.

It is also toxic by inhalation, and poses a risk of delayed build-up in the lungs through prolonged exposure – which in some cases can be fatal.

Gardaí have advised the public to avoid any contact with the drums, and to report any sightings of either drum to their local Garda station.