A PAINTING worth tens of thousands of pounds was stolen from its frame during burglaries in Lynchmere last month.

Called Hope in Prison, it was painted in 1862 by pre-Raphaelite Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones. It was stolen from a house in the village which was broken into twice in three weeks.

Police said thieves first struck between June 3 and June 8, taking the valuable work of art. The second break-in, between June 17 and June 20, saw more than 40 pieces of silver cutlery and two silver candlesticks stolen.

A blue people carrier, possibly a Vauxhall Zafira, was seen in the area on June 11 and June 12. Anyone with information should call the police on 101.