CUMBRIA police have started an investigation after a 'significant amount' of food and drink was stolen from an on-site canteen during a Sellafield emergency exercise. 

During the exercise on the Sellafield Ltd. site, a 'significant' amount of food and drink was taken from a shop and canteen at Sellafield. 

A spokesman for Cumbria police confirmed they are now investigating the matter, which was reported to them on November, 13 

A spokesman for Cumbria police said: "Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 116 of 13 November. You can also phone on 101.

"Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555."

Sellafield said that the incident happened when one of the catering facilities was left unattended whilst staff followed instructions to evacuate the building, saying they are now investigating the matter further and reviewing arrangements for the canteen during site exercises.

A Sellafield Ltd spokesman said: “During a recent Sellafield site emergency exercise, one of our catering facilities was left unattended whilst personnel followed instructions to evacuate the building.

“While the facility was unsupervised, significant amounts of food and drink were taken without payment being made.

“We are investigating this further and reviewing arrangements for use of the canteen and shop during site emergency exercises.

“We have also referred the matter to the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and Cumbria Police.”