AN empty whiskey barrell, thought to have been stolen during a burglary at a house in Bromsgrove, has been recovered.

The barrel was taken from the insecure porch of a house in West Road on Tuesday, May 27.

It was initially thought it had been stolen in a burglary but it has now been discovered that a company that was supposed to collect another item from the house took the barrel in error, and is returning it.

Detective Constable Tony Flannagan, of West Mercia Police, said: “We are now satisfied there was no burglary and are pleased the barrel has been located but would like to take the opportunity to remind residents to keep doors locked and porches secure, whether or not the house is occupied.”