'No evidence to suggest' missing Victoria Cross medals were stolen

Staff first noticed the medals were missing after a routine inspection in September 2023 at Chelmsford City Museum

There is no evidence to suggest that two missing Victoria Cross medals were stolen, a museum spokesperson said.

The medals were first noted as missing after a routine inspection in September 2023 at Chelmsford City Museum.

The medals are more than 120 years old and were awarded to Sergeant William McWheeney in 1857 and Lieutenant Francis Parsons in 1900.

An Essex Police spokesperson said it was working to "determine whether a theft has occurred."

Staff at the museum are "not under suspicion"

Marc De'ath, who is responsible for museums, theatres, events and cultural partnerships at Chelmsford City Council, said "at this stage, we are keeping an open mind about what has happened".

He added: "There is currently no evidence to suggest that these medals have been stolen and staff at the museum are not under suspicion."

The Victoria Cross medal is one of the highest awards a British solider can receive and was usually awarded to people after they died.

EssexLive reported that the medals could be worth around £600,000.