An intruder struck the owner of a country estate on the head before tying him and his wife up and running off with jewellery worth 700k.
The burglar got into Goodwood House, near Chichester, by climbing up a ladder and getting into the building through an upstairs window.
He then was disturbed by Lady March, the joint owner of Goodwood House, who had gone to investigate the unusal noise.
The intruder pushed Lady March and then struck her husband Lord March on the head, causing an injury to his ear.
Lady March was then forced to open the safe which contained a large amount of jewellery, including historic heirlooms worth more than 700,000 before the couple were tied up.
The terrifying ordeal took place at around 4.30am on Wednesday (January 13).
Police were not alerted for another two hours at 6.30am, when a member of staff at the property arrived for work.
Detective Inspector Till Sanderson, of Sussex Police1, said: “This was a frightening ordeal and I pay tribute to the courage of Lord and Lady March.
“They are devastated at the loss of these treasured items, many of which are irreplacable.
“We are making a nationwide appeal in a bid for information and to trace stolen jewellery.
“Forensic teams are working with detectives to investigate the circumstances and we are appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious activity during that night up until 7am or in the previous week to contact us.
“We are doing all we can try to trace the stolen treasures, liaising with auction houses, stately homes, dealers and those with specialist knowledge.”
The historic items, with huge sentimental value, include an 1820 diamond tiara, worth in the region of 400,000; an antique diamond necklace from the first half of the 19th century, worth in the region of 200,000; and an emerald intaglio and diamond ring from 1800, engraved with Duchess’s coronet and monogram CL for Louise de Keroualle, mistress of Charles II.
More than 40 items were stolen including emerald, diamond and sapphire rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces as well as antique Rolex and Girard Perregaux watches.
Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, or call 101 quoting Operation Forster.
Alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org23
- A 26-year-old man from Hampshire has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and has been bailed until February while investigations continue.
References
- ^ Sussex Police (www.theargus.co.uk)
- ^ 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk (www.theargus.co.uk)
- ^ www.crimestoppers-uk.org (www.crimestoppers-uk.org)
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