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Two men have been arrested in connection with the theft of priceless historical statues from Ilford Manor, a heritage estate near Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire Police have confirmed.
The burglary occurred overnight between Thursday, 19 June and Friday, 20 June, when unknown suspects broke into the property and made off with several valuable bronze statues and busts.
Items Stolen from the Manor Include:
- She-Wolf with Romulus and Remus, including bronze base
- A pair of symmetrical fawns, copies of the famed Villa Dei Papyri sculptures
- A bust of Antinous, the Roman youth and lover of Emperor Hadrian
Arrests in Bristol
The investigation moved forward swiftly after a vehicle flagged with a police marker was stopped by Avon and Somerset Police in the Bristol area on Thursday evening, 26 June. The 31-year-old and 39-year-old male occupants, who reside outside of Wiltshire, were arrested.
Both have since been released on conditional bail, with strict instructions not to enter Wiltshire while the investigation continues.
Wiltshire Police Appeal for Help
Detective Inspector Penny Andrews said:
“We are continuing to appeal for anyone who knows anything about the stolen items or who saw anything suspicious to come forward. No matter how small you think the information is, it could be vital to this investigation.
She added that antique dealers and auction houses across the UK should remain alert in case the stolen artefacts are offered for sale.
“I’d also like to thank our colleagues in Avon and Somerset Police for their swift action and support.”
Report Information
Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Wiltshire Police on 101, quoting reference 54250075348, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555111.
