Workers repairing a Soviet submarine returned to work this morning to find thieves had stolen all their tools.

The Russian U-475, known as the Black Widow, is moored in the River Medway and workmen have been welding and carrying out other repairs over the last few months.

Manager John Sutton said: "We're calling for anyone who may have seen something suspicious around the submarine or in the vicinity. These people steal in patterns, they may have targeted other boats.

"Someone might have seen them drag the boat up on shore and unload the tools."

The items taken included power and welding tools, as well as rope, and were stolen from a work boat moored near the submarine.

The theft is believed to have taken place between 4pm on Saturday and 8am today.

Adventure thriller Black Sea, starring Jude Law, was filmed on the submarine in 2013 and black comedy, The Fitzroy, was shot there in 2012.

The vessel was built in 1967, and used specifically for training Libyan, Cuban and Indian submariners. She was in active service with the Russian Baltic Fleet until 1994. It now sits next to Rochester Bridge on the Strood side.

Anyone with any information is asked to called Kent Police on 101.