Fitzwilliam Museum theft: New CCTV images released

A 17th Century jade "imaginary beast" is one of 18 items stolen from the museum

CCTV images have been released of four men police want to speak to in connection with the theft of Chinese art from a Cambridge University museum.

Officers believe up to four men were involved in the theft of 18 jade items from the Fitzwilliam Museum at about 19:30 BST on 13 April.

The images released show four men walking from Grove Lane towards the rear of the museum.

Police are also looking for a white van believed to have been used.

Det Ch Supt Karen Daber, leading a 25-strong team of investigating officers, urged anyone who recognised the men in the CCTV images to contact the police or Crimestoppers.

The face of one of the men in the image has been blurred as officers believe he may be a juvenile.

Crimewatch appeal

Earlier in the investigation police released CCTV images of a white VW Caddy van.

It was seen arriving in Grove Lane in Cambridge at 19.26 BST on Friday 13 April where it was parked for several minutes.

It was later seen on camera in Trumpington Street, close to Hotel Du Vin, at 19.38 BST, leaving the city.

Mrs Daber said information about the van was "vital to the investigation".

The items taken from the Fitzwilliam, including six from the Ming dynasty, are thought to be worth in excess of £18m.

A museum spokeswoman described them as "very important cultural artefacts" and said staff were "greatly saddened" by the theft.

The museum and Cambridgeshire Police have refused to comment on security at the Fitzwilliam.

An appeal for information will be broadcast on BBC One's Crimewatch later.