HISTORIC items have been stolen from a National Trust site in Somerset.

Avon and Somerset Police said items including a silver dining-room table centrepiece (an epergne) and a pair of French Empire ormolu candelabra were stolen from Montacute House.

A police spokesperson said: “We are releasing images of a number of items stolen during a burglary at a National Trust property in Somerset last week.

“Items, including a silver dining-room table centrepiece (an epergne), a pair of French Empire ormolu candelabra, a pewter mug and plate, plus several items of porcelain were stolen from Montacute House, which is located between Martock and Yeovil.

“The burglary took place at approximately 11pm on Tuesday, October 22.”

Dedicated Investigating Officer Dave Pepper said: “Officers attended overnight when the burglary was reported to us and found entry had been forced to gain access to the property.

“We have conducted CCTV enquiries and spoken to a number of people living close by as part of our ongoing investigation.

“We’ve also provided additional security advice to help deter any similar such incidents from occurring in the future.

“The stolen items are historic, and we are keen to help reunite the National Trust with them.

“We would like to hear from anyone who has information about their whereabouts.”

Keri Phillips, National Trust General manager for Montacute House, said: “This has been a very upsetting incident for our staff and volunteers.

“The items stolen were a treasured part of the collection, in particular the epergne which is of exceptional significance having been commissioned by Edward Phelips, one of the owners of Montacute House, in the 18th century.”

She continued: “The National Trust takes such incidents extremely seriously and continually reviews security arrangements at our sites, working closely with local police forces.”

The police spokesperson also said: “If anyone has any information regarding this burglary or the whereabouts of the items please call 101 quoting crime reference number 5224279138 or contact us online.

“If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224279138, or complete our online appeals form.

“You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.

“No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.”