AN IMPORTANT artefact worth an estimated £200,000 has been stolen from Levens Hall, near Kendal.
The Thomas Tompion ebony quarter repeating table clock was stolen at around 5am yesterday morning (Saturday).
The offenders gained access to the stately home by breaking into an outbuilding at the opposite side of the A6 and stealing a ladder.
They then scaled the perimeter of the hall and entered the building through a first floor window, setting off the audible alarm in the process.
After removing the timepiece, the men made off on foot along the A6.
The timepiece was damaged during the incident, with one of its four feet left at the scene of the crime.
Cumbria Police believe there were at least two offenders behind the incident and would like to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious people or vehicles in the area at the time.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kendal Police on 0845-3300-247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.
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