Man arrested after more than 600 items stolen from museum collection

A man has been arrested after more than 600 artefacts were stolen from a museum collection.

Avon and Somerset Police said the 41-year-old was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and later released under investigation.

Police are investigating the burglary at a building housing items from Bristol Museum's British Empire and Commonwealth collection on 25 September last year.

The force believes four men gained entry to the property, in the Cumberland Road area of the city, between 1am and 2am.

Police have described the artefacts taken as having a "significant cultural value".

They include medals, badges and pins, jewellery, decorative items such as carved ivory, silver items and bronze figurines.

A police spokeswoman said: "We continue to appeal for the public's help to identify the four men pictured and have released two short video clips of the people we wish to speak to."

Following the burglary, Bristol City Council released images of some of the items.

The British Empire and Commonwealth Collection documents the links between Britain and countries within the British Empire - dating all the way back to the 19th century.

Detective Constable Dan Burgan added that the theft of the historic items was a "significant loss for the city".

He 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."

Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, 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."

Security at the facility has since been tightened following the thefts.

Police described the four men they are trying to identify as white.

One was of medium to stocky build, wearing a white cap, black jacket, light-coloured trousers and black trainers.

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

The third male wore a green cap, black jacket, light-coloured shorts and white trainers and appeared to walk with a slight limp in his right leg.

The fourth man was of large build, wearing a two-toned orange and navy/black puffed jacket, black trousers, and black and white trainers.

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