Police release CCTV after gold artefacts stolen from Ely Museum

Police have released CCTV footage of two people suspected of stealing a Bronze Age golden torc and a gold bracelet from Ely Museum.

The museum was broken into between midnight and 2am on Tuesday (7 May) and an item called the East Cambridgeshire gold torc was taken, along with a gold bracelet.

CCTV footage of two people during a robbery at Ely Museum Picture: Cambridgeshire Police

The force said both items date from the Bronze Age.

Det Insp Kiri Mazur said: “We have released this CCTV, not in the hope someone will recognise the figures, but to try to jog memories and encourage anyone with information to come forward.

East Cambridgeshire Gold Torc stolen from Ely Museum - copyright The Trustees of the British Museum

“We are focused on identifying the offenders, tracing the items, and returning them to their rightful place and are working closely with staff at Ely Museum to follow all lines of inquiry.

“I am very keen to hear from anyone who may be able to provide information or saw two people on e-scooters in the vicinity of the museum, car park and pedestrian walkways at the back of the museum, the council offices and the Grange Car Park, between 12am and 2am on Tuesday.”

CCTV footage of two people during a robbery at Ely Museum Picture: Cambridgeshire Police

Elie Hughes, curator at Ely Museum, said: “We are devastated by the loss to the museum and to the local heritage of the region.

“It is a huge blow after the incredible support from the community in acquiring the torc in 2017.

“As a culturally significant object, it cannot be replaced.

Bronze Age gold bracelet stolen from Ely Museum - copyright Cambridgeshire County Council

“Our priority now is working with the police to locate the stolen objects.”

Anyone who has any information is urged to contact police through their web chat service quoting Operation Lacunar, or call the force on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.