A MAN who suffers from emphysema has warned thieves who stole an oxygen cylinder from his car outside his home that it could be "potentially lethal."

Michael Amos, of Skipton, who needs extra oxygen to help him breathe, has advised them to return it to him as soon as possible before any harm is done.

The 52-year-old was making a rare car trip into Skipton from his home on the Greatwood Estate and took the portable cylinder out to his car.

He realised he had forgotten something and went back to his house. When he returned the cylinder, which is about three feet high with dials on top, and in a slim black bag, was gone.

Mr Amos said: "My first concern was kids, because these things can explode if misused. I've no idea what an adult would use it for and it's of no value except to someone with breathing problems.

"I want to give whoever took it the chance to bring it back - they know where they took it from. I just want these thieves to show a modicum of decency."