Precious artefacts have been stolen from a historic Gloucestershire castle.

Thieves forced their way into the exhibition area of Sudeley Castle in the early hours on Sunday, September 6.

They smashed a display case and stole valuable jewellery and artefacts from the stately home in Winchcombe.

CCTV footage shows four offenders approach the property with a chair, sledgehammer and large garden or builder's bag.

They then made off in a 4x4 vehicle which was parked nearby.

The stolen property includes:

A presentation gold box, Swiss late 18th Century, with a miniature of Edward VII set in diamonds;

A presentation gold and enamel box with the Prince of Wales feathers set in diamonds;

A Cartier watch monogrammed AK (Alice Keppel) 1910; a Faberge gold cigarette case set with diamonds;

A Faberge silver caviar box and silver mounted vodka glasses, c1910;

A gold snuffbox, Paris 1783;

A silver cigarette case by Marshak, Kiev 1908;

and a book of extracts from Sydney Smith, given to Alice Keppel by King Edward VII.

Detective Superintendent Steve Bean from Gloucestershire police said: "This burglary happened under cover of darkness, but it is still possible that someone may have witnessed suspicious behaviour at or near the property in the hours leading up to it or afterwards, and may be able to help us identify the offenders.

"Clearly the stolen items are very distinctive and have a great deal of historical, as well as financial, value.

"They should be easy to identify and if anyone is aware of them being offered for sale I would urge them to report it to police as soon as possible."

Sudeley Castle's owner Lady Ashcombe said: "We are all saddened to learn of this burglary. There were beautiful artefacts on display for everyone to enjoy and were very precious to me personally".

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101 quoting incident 110 of September 8.