Yorkshire chef rues ‘so much waste’ after thieves write off van and 2,500 pies inside

Banks had urged the thieves to ‘drop the pies off somewhere’ so they could at least be given to those in need. Photograph: Tommy Banks/PA

A van that was stolen containing 2,500 pies has been found abandoned and its cargo too damaged to eat.

The Michelin-starred chef Tommy Banks had appealed to thieves to “do the right thing” and give the van’s contents, which also included custard and gravy, to people in need.