MEMBERS of a Welwyn Garden City metal band were left stranded near Berlin mid-tour last night (Thursday) as German police seized their van.

The polizei deemed five-piece Heights’ tour van “un-roadworthy” despite it holding a valid UK MOT.

The shouty progressive metal and hardcore group’s vocalist Thom Debaere called on their 3,700-plus Facebook fans to bail them out by buying merchandise.

In a statement posted on the social networking site last night he wrote: “German police seized our van, left us stranded just outside Berlin, charged us more money than we’ve got and are crushing the van tomorrow and will charge us even more for doing so.

“We’re not begging or complaining, but if you’ve ever thought about buying merchandise, please head over to the store now.

“Any sales will help so much with getting home and back on the road by December 1st sales will help so much in getting home and getting back on the road by Dec 1st. Spread the word!!”

Thom and bandmates Dean Richardson, Thom Green, Andrew Moulder and Tom Hutton said German cops demanded 600 euros to tow the van away and are expected to demand another 600 euros to crush it.

A spokeswoman for the band said they had been in touch with the British Embassy.