The Kills' tour bus, containing all of their equipment, has gone missing during their US tour.

The duo, who are supporing the Raconteurs, had been due to meet the bus in Texas on Sunday but their driver and the vehicle failed to turn up.

Police officials have launched an investigation into the incident, as well as an appeal to find the missing driver, Brian Berkenkemper, who was last seen on September 26th in Los Angeles.

"It is thought that the driver has committed grand theft auto or that he is in some kind of trouble," a statement from the group's record label said.

Writing about the incident on the band's website, singer and guitarist Alison Mosshart said: “OUR BUS DRIVER IS MISSING AND/OR HURT/DEAD/or A THIEF. OUR BUS HAS DISAPPEARED.

“How can 3 tons of black metal vanish into thin air? Im asking myself the same fucking question.”

Anyone who comes into contact with a black Prevost tour bus with Tennessee plates '0305 EA' has been told to inform police.

The Stooges, Iron Maiden and R.E.M. have all been the victim of equipment theft this year.

(by Jason Gregory)