A STATELY home in Somerset was raided in a late-night burglary.

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, between Martock and Yeovil, at around 11pm on October 22.

Dedicated Investigating Officer Dave Pepper, of Avon & Somerset Police, 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.”

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. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police

Keri Phillips, general manager at National Trust-run 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 added: “The National Trust takes such incidents extremely seriously and continually reviews security arrangements at our sites, working closely with local police forces.”

Anyone with information about the incident, or the whereabouts of the items, should contact police on 101, quoting crime reference number 5224279138.

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