Police are appealing for information after five rare medals were stolen after crooks raided a Colchester museum.

Hollytrees Museum was targeted on Tuesday night when the thieves broke into a display cabinet.

Three gold and two bronze pieces were taken.

The exhibits, which all date from the second half of the 19th Century, had been on show since last May, and were last week repositioned.

The medals include those awarded to Paxmans at the Crystal Palace Electrical Exhibition, the Paris Exposition Universelle International, and Australian International Exhibition in Sydney.

The break-in happened at 8.30pm on March 1.

A spokesman for Essex Police said no arrests had been made.

He added: “During the incident, suspects gained access to the museum and a display cabinet was forced open. Five medals were taken.

“No arrests have been made. Officers are liaising with Colchester Council and are following several lines of enquiry.

“We need anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area last night or has any CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage to contact us.”

Gazette: Some of the medals taken by thieves in the raid. Picture: Colchester CouncilSome of the medals taken by thieves in the raid. Picture: Colchester Council

Darius Laws, the Colchester Council’s heritage boss, said the crooks had been caught on CCTV.

He said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the theft of these rare and irreplaceable objects from the museum’s collection, and appeal for their immediate and safe return.

“Fortunately, we have been able to share some useful CCTV of the incident and are continuing to assist the police with their ongoing investigation.

“This is not simply the theft of gold medals, but it is the theft of Colchester's heritage.

Gazette: Hollytrees Museum which was targeted by crooks. Picture: NewsquestHollytrees Museum which was targeted by crooks. Picture: Newsquest

“I would appeal to those responsible to reconsider what they have done, do the right thing and return the medals so everyone in Colchester can enjoy them.

“If anyone has any information about the missing items, I urge them to step forward and either contact Colchester Museums or Essex Police.”

Call police on 101 or visit https://www.essex.police.uk and quote 42/53042/22.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.