Reward offered in search for stolen Bronze Age torc

The charity Crimestoppers is offering a £5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of thieves who stole two Bronze Age treasures from a museum.

A 3,000-year-old gold torc and a bracelet were taken during a break-in at Ely Museum in Cambridgeshire on 7 May.

The museum acquired the torc - a large bracelet-like ring valued at £220,000 - in 2017 using grants and donations and described its loss as a "huge blow".

"Historic treasures are totally irreplaceable and are a crucial part of Cambridgeshire’s history," said Annabelle Goodenough, South East regional manager at Crimestoppers.

"Obviously, the best outcome is for the stolen items to be returned," she added.

"Together, we can help bring those responsible to justice and hopefully see the return of these treasures to the museum."

Both stolen treasures were found in Cambridgeshire by metal detectorists.

The torc, discovered in a ploughed field, is regarded as the best found in England in more than a century.

It is larger than many other examples and made of 730g (1lb 10oz) of almost pure gold.

It was described by Dr Neil Wilkin, from the British Museum, as "one of the most important Bronze Age finds that's ever been made in England".

Speaking shortly after the theft, Elie Hughes, Ely Museum curator, said: "We are devastated by the loss to the museum and to the local heritage of the region.

"It is a huge blow after the incredible support from the community in acquiring the torc in 2017.

"As a culturally significant object, it cannot be replaced."

Crimestoppers said the reward was available for three months, until 30 August. It said it guarantees anonymity to anyone who gets in touch with information.

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