Burglars plundered three homes, taking thousands of pounds worth of antiques.

Police said the break-ins, in rural areas around Colchester, all happened on the same night and are likely to be the work of the same gang.

In one, in Coles Oak Lane, Dedham, intruders forced open french windows and escaped with a £5,000 haul of silverware and pictures.

Then in Brook Street, also in Dedham, jewellery, cash and antiques were taken after burglars forced a window at the back of a house to get in. They also ripped an outside light from the wall at the front of the home.

And in Park Lane, Langham, burglars took silverware after breaking into a house by forcing a window at the side.

Anyone with information about the break-ins should call police on 01206 762212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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