NEARLY 20 pieces of Chinese art - worth around �18million - were stolen from the Fitzwilliam Museum on Friday (April 13).

A group of thieves broke in to the Trumpington Street, Cambridge, museum at around 7.30pm and took 18 items, mostly of jade and part of the permanent collection.

Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Daber, who is leading the investigation, called Operation Tundra, said: “The 18 items stolen are very valuable and are of great cultural significance so we are absolutely committed to recovering them and bringing those who stole them to justice.

“We have a team of detectives working hard to achieve these ends and we are working closely with the Fitzwilliam Museum, which is doing all it can to help our enquiries.

“We are following up a number of inquiries but we also need the help of the public and would urge anyone with information that could help our enquiries to call us.

“In particular, we are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in or around the Fitzwilliam Museum between 6pm and 8pm and may have heard or seen anything unusual or suspicious.

“While this is an exceptional crime, that we are taking very seriously, it is also worth remembering that this type of offence is extremely rare.”

Officers have stepped up patrols in the area and are examining CCTV. Forensic experts carried out checks on the scene.

A spokesman for the Fitzwilliam Museum said: “These works are a highly important part of our collection and their loss is a great blow. We are working closely with the police to aid in their recovery. A thorough review of our security measures is also underway. We urge anyone with information that could help the enquiry to come forward.”

INFORMATION: Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. Information can also be reported by email at: optundra@cambs.pnn.police.uk