A PAINTING worth tens of thousands of pounds was stolen from its frame during burglaries in Lynchmere last month

Called ‘Hope in Prison,’ it was painted in 1862 by Pre-Raphaelite Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones. It was stolen from a house in the village which was broken into twice. in three weeks.

Police said thieves first struck between June 3 and 8, taking the valuable work of art. The second break-in between June 17 and 20, saw more than 40 pieces of silver cutlery and two silver candlesticks stolen. A blue people carrier, possibly a Vauxhall Zafira, was seen in the area on June 11 and 12. Call 101 if you have information about the thefts.