ARTEFACTS worth about £1,000 were stolen during a daytime raid on Bewdley Museum.

Police suspect specialist tools were used to prise open sealed cases containing the five brass measures taken on the afternoon of Thursday, June 16.

The measures dated back to 1849 and were part of a set of seven donated to the museum in 1991. They were kept in the museum's brass foundry galleries.

Liz Jenkins, collections management officer, said: "All the galleries are regularly checked throughout the day by the staff so the thieves must have planned the theft.

"I am surprised that they have taken the measures because they are clearly stamped with 'The Borough of Bewdley Worcestershire 1849 1021', which makes them easily traceable and difficult to sell."

Wyre Forest district councillor Nathan Desmond said the museum prided itself on creating a "relaxed accessible environment", adding he was "appalled" by the theft.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who might have witnessed the theft or knew of the items' whereabouts or seen them offered for sale. They can be contacted on 08457 444888.