HIGH value and sentimental items were stolen during a house move in Dorset, police have revealed.

Officers in Blandford are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after the theft.

It is believed the items were taken from the rear of a removal lorry used in a house move in New Road between 10am and 2pm on Thursday, July 10.

Among the items taken was a solid silver 48 piece cutlery set consisting of knives, forks, spoons and teaspoons and a large wooden box that the cutlery was contained in.

On top of the box was an engraved brass plate with the monogram B.E.M and each piece of cutlery was engraved with monogram initials R.L and F.E.

A small antique Victorian wooden box containing 24 silver fruit knives and forks, with carved ivory handles, engraved with the B.E.M monogram was also taken.

PC Ashley Farman, of North Dorset Police, said: “The loss of these items is very distressing for the victim as they are family heirlooms that have a high sentimental value.

“I am appealing for anybody who has information that could help recover the items to contact police as soon as possible.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who has been offered high-value cutlery for sale in strange circumstances or for an unusually low price.

“All calls are treated in the strictest confidence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 14:027852.