THREE Herefordshire country homes have been broken into during the past two weeks which police believe may be linked.

Thousands of pounds worth of porcelain and silverware were stolen from a property in Ocle Pychard, near Bromyard, at 2.30am on Monday, December 16.

All of the items were recovered nearby during a search of the area and two men were later arrested on suspicion of burglary.

They have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Antique vases and paperweights were stolen from a house in Risbury, near Leominster, in the early hours of Friday, December 5, as well as a number of water colour paintings, including two by Lady Louisa Tennyson.

And a property in Lyde was broken into at 3.30am on Monday, December 9, although nothing was taken.

"They are all detached, country homes in rural areas where you could perhaps expect to find antiques and that is what we we believe whoever broke into these houses was after," said Detective Sergeant Tim Dugmore.

"With this in mind, we would ask anyone who lives in similar properties to increase their security and ensure they put measures in place to protect their homes."

Anyone with information about the burglaries can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.