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

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 the 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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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