A MANHUNT has been launched after a priceless collection of historic medals were snatched from a museum by a hooded crook caught on camera.

Essex Police were called to reports of a burglary at the Hollytrees Museum, near High Street, in Colchester shortly before 9.30pm on March 1.

After breaking into the facility, a display cabinet was forced open by a man who was captured on CCTV before he made off with five rare medals.

No arrests have been made but screengrabs taken from the footage have now been released by the police, who are hoping to track down the man pictured.

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Darius Laws, Colchester councillor responsible for economy, business, and heritage, has now appealed to the public for help.

He said: “I would urge people to take a look at these images and see if you have any information which could help the police.

“I would also appeal to the person who has taken the medals, or now has the medals, to now arrange for their safe return either to the museum or to the castle.

“More than any financial loss, this is a loss to Colchester’s heritage and it is that loss which can never be replaced.

“I would also like to thank Essex Police for their speedy response in this case. I know they are treating it seriously and putting a lot of resources into it.”

The collection of gold and bronze pieces, which all date from the second half of the 19th Century, had been on show at the museum since last May.

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A spokesman for Essex Police added: “We are continuing to liaise with the council as we follow several lines of enquiry.

“We are now in a position to release these images of a man we would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

“Please take a close look at the pictures and if you have any information on this man, please get in touch.”

Anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour or has any CCTV, dash cam or doorbell footage or information should Essex Police on 101 quoting reference 42/53042/22.