ANTIQUE collectors and dealers are being warned after the theft of fittings and personal items from a vacant property.

Thieves, believed to have used a white "Transit-type" van, stole two cast-iron fireplaces, a stained-glass wooden door and a German beer stein between Thursday, October 7 and 8pm on October 10.

The fireplaces - one blue, the other white and together valued at £700 - were wrenched from the walls in upstairs bedrooms in the Droitwich Road home, in Worcester.

The red, white and blue stein, which is of great sentimental value, has cavalry scenes on the sides, a pewter figure on the lid and an eagle on the handle.

"Due to the weight of fireplaces, it is thought that a vehicle was used," said a police spokeman.

"An unexplained white 'Transit-type' vehicle was seen pulling off at about 2pm on Friday, October 8, but we have no other details at present.

"All the stolen items are distinctive and should be reasonably easy to identify. We would ask dealers and collectors to be on the look-out for them and to report any sightings to us immediately."

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact Worcester Police on 08457 444888.