Diving gear stolen from a seaside shop could be lethal in the wrong hands, say experts.

The warning came after thieves ransacked Newhaven Scuba Centre at West Quay, Newhaven.

The centre's owners say the equipment is specialised and designed for use by certified divers.

They fear people without training may use the equipment, risking serious injury.

The raid took place between 8pm on Saturday and 8am yesterday.

The burglars broke down the door and are thought to have backed a vehicle up to the premises to speed their escape.

The equipment stolen was mostly new and included regulators, buoyancy control jackets, wetsuits, divers' knives, dive reels and pool fins.

Wrist-mounted dive computers, instrument consoles, dive watches, torches, a sea underwater camera plus a cash register and cash were also taken.

Gary Ellis, of Newhaven Scuba Centre, said: "We are concerned this equipment is not offered for sale to people who have not been properly trained to use it.

"Diving is fun but it is important that it is conducted safely by certified divers."

Anyone who is offered diving equipment in suspicious circumstances is asked to contact the police at Newhaven on 0845 6070999.