A COLLECTION of valuable Thomas Hardy poems have been seized by police in Dorchester.

Officers are appealing for help from the public to help find the rightful owner of the selection of approximately 50 poems.

Police Constable Mark Powell, of Dorchester Police, said: “The poems are written in original calligraphy on white card and are 36 centimetres by 41 centimetres in size.

“We hope that someone recognises them from the image and will help us to find the rightful owner.

“It is possible that they have been stolen and the owner has not yet realised that they are missing. “Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any information that may assist with my investigation.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 02:308. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.