Shocked owners of the former world-famous Silver Cross factory told today how brazen thieves made off with up to £100,000 worth of roof slates, leaving the building exposed and flooded.

Now they are appealing for members of the public help track down the thieves.

The 5,500 yards of roof slates were taken from the historic site at Otley Road in daylight. Further damage was caused by rain which flooded the building.

The 125-year-old firm produced famous prams, reportedly bought by celebrities such as Madonna and Victoria Beckham.

It went into liquidation in September 2002 but now operates as Silver Cross UK Ltd at the Castlefields industrial estate in Crossflatts and Broughton Hall business park near Skipton.

Nigel Tapp, of Leeds property company Allsops, who are advisors to the owners and are marketing it for possible future use, said he was shocked.

He raised the alarm after visiting the derelict building.

"It was terrible. The roof slates had been ripped off in what looked to be an amateurish way and this caused flooding.

"We are very frustrated by what has happened. The building is huge and it is difficult to secure," he said.

Estimates showed that up to £100,000 worth of damage had been done.

Mr Tapp, pictured here in the damaged building, added: "We have not had it professionally assessed as yet but the slates have been pulled off in a very haphazard way and this has made it worse.

''Also because there was no roof the rain has caused a lot of internal damage."

He urged members of the public to help track the thieves.

"We would appreciate any efforts to catch the perpetrators. We understand there have been similar crimes in the Guiseley and Rawdon areas but obviously this is very frustrating for us.

''We appeal to our neighbours and residents and whoever may have seen anything to get in touch and help us catch these thieves."

Neighbourhood Watch Liaison Officer at Weetwood Police, Peter Krushniak, said he was amazed at the theft.

"It was a massive crime. It must have taken a lot of effort and there must have been lorries involved in taking the stone away.

"There has been a significant rise in the number of these types of thefts in Yeadon, Guiseley and Rawdon but this is the worst case we have come across."

He urged any witnesses to come forward.

"We really want people to rack their brains and see if they remember any vehicles in the area."

It is believed the thefts took place between 9am on Wednesday, May 16, and noon on Friday, May 19.

Anyone with information is asked to call Weetwood Police Station on (0113) 2413459.