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Hundreds of items taken in 'high-value' museum raid

Tess de la MareBristol
Bristol Museum A carved ivory buddha with a topknot and robes in a cross-legged position. It sits next to a circular belt buckle with a laurel motif with the words "Auspicio Regis et Senatus Angliae".Bristol Museum
A carved ivory Buddha and a belt buckle from the East India Company uniform were among the items taken

More than 600 artefacts of significant cultural value have been stolen from Bristol Museum's archive in a high-value raid, police have said.

Military memorabilia, jewellery, natural history pieces and carved ivory, bronze and silver figurines were stolen from the archive in Cumberland Basin area of the city in the early hours of 25 September.

Detectives have released images of four men captured on CCTV in the area after part of the museum's British Empire and Commonwealth collection were stolen.

"The theft of many items which carry a significant cultural value is a significant loss for the city," Det Con Dan Burgan said.

Avon and Somerset Police A blurry CCTV image of four men wearing jackets and baseball caps in a street at night time. Avon and Somerset Police
Police have released an image of four men they want to speak to after more than 600 artefacts were stolen

Stolen items include military badges and pins from the East India Company.

Mr Burgan, of Avon and Somerset Police, added: "These items, many of which were donations, form part of a collection that provides insight into a multi-layered part of British history, and we are hoping that members of the public can help us to bring those responsible to justice."

He said so far police have carried out "significant" CCTV inquiries, forensic investigations and have been liaising with the victims.

The jewellery taken includes necklaces, bangles and rings.

Carved figurines and other decorative items are missing as well as items of natural history, including geological specimens.

Google A large, black and red brick building with a black metal ramp leading to it. There is a road outside the building flanked by trees. Bikes are chained up outside the building. Google
The items were taken from an archive building

Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, which operates the museum, said he was "deeply saddened" by the thefts.

"These artefacts were part of a collection that documents the links between Britain and countries formerly part of the British Empire from the late 18th Century to the late 20th Century," he said.

"The collection is of cultural significance to many countries and provides an invaluable record and insight into the lives of those involved in and affected by the British Empire."

Avon and Somerset Police Two CCTV images places side by side. One is a man in a dark jacket, grey trousers and white hat and carrying a bag. The second is a group of all four males in the street, they all have hats or their hoods up. All are carrying bags. Avon and Somerset Police
The men are described as being white and were all wearing jackets and baseball caps

Police are keen to speak to anyone who recognises the men captured on CCTV, or who may have seen possible stolen items being sold online.

All of the men are thought to be white. The first was described as of medium to stocky build and was wearing a white cap, black jacket, light-coloured trousers and black trainers.

The second was described as being of slim build and was wearing a grey, hooded jacket, black trousers and black trainers.

Avon and Somerset Police A CCTV image of four men in a street at night time. They are wearing dark clothing. Two are wearing caps, one has a green hoody on and one is bare headed and has a bald patch. Avon and Somerset Police
The items were taken from a building in the Cumberland basin

The third was wearing a green cap, black jacket, light-coloured shorts and white trainers. Police said he appeared to walk with a slight limp in his right leg.

The fourth was described as being of large build and was wearing a two-toned orange and navy or black puffy jacket, black trousers and black and white trainers.

A city council spokesman said police decided to delay a public appeal about the thefts until it had undertaken thorough initial inquiries.

They added that it had also taken time for archive staff to audit thousands of items held within the stores to establish what was missing.

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