An appeal has been launched to recover a minibus stolen from St Albans, described as an "integral part of the local community".

At around 4.30pm on Tuesday, January 10, the blue Peugeot minibus was taken from the Cotlandswick Leisure Centre car park.

It was then driven out of the car park and left towards the A414.

"We are releasing these images as part of our ongoing enquiries to help trace this vehicle," PC Katie McLoughlin, investigating.

"This minibus is an integral part of the local community and is used by many groups who support individuals with disabilities and other specific needs.

"The theft of this vehicle has had a hugely negative impact on the staff who run these groups and those who attend them.

"I am appealing for anyone with any further information, or anyone who was in the area at this time and may have seen something, to please contact me.

"If you recognise the vehicle, which has several distinctive stickers placed on it, I’d like to hear from you.

"Anyone with information can contact me via email at katie.mcloughlin@herts.police.uk."

You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator via online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/2944/23.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.