In a brazen heist reminiscent of a recent high-profile theft in Paris, a significant number of artefacts have disappeared from a prominent UK museum. This incident occurred just weeks before the theft at the Louvre.

Authorities in England have disclosed that over 600 items, which are part of the British Empire and Commonwealth collection, have been stolen from Bristol Museum.

Avon and Somerset Police have shared CCTV footage showing four individuals they wish to identify and question in connection with the theft.

The artefacts were reportedly taken from a facility located on Cumberland Road in Bristol, approximately 190 kilometers west of London, during the early hours of Thursday, September 25, between 1 and 2 am.

The reason behind the police’s delayed request for public assistance remains unclear.

“The theft of many items which carry a significant cultural value is a significant loss for the city,” officer in charge of the case Detective Constable Dan Burgan said.

“These items, many of which were donations, form part of a collection that provides insight into a multi-layered part of British history, and we are hoping that members of the public can help us to bring those responsible to justice.

“So far, our enquiries have included significant CCTV enquiries as well as forensic investigations and speaking liaising with the victims.”

It is not known what the value is of the items stolen from Bristol Museum.

The port city of Bristol played a major role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Ships based in the city transported at least half a million Africans into slavery before Britain outlawed the slave trade in 1807. Many 18th-century Bristolians helped fund the trade and shared in the profits, which also built handsome Georgian houses and buildings that still dot the city.

It was the focus of international attention and debate in 2020, when anti-racism demonstrators toppled a statue of 17th-century slave trader Edward Colston from its plinth in the city and dumped it in the River Avon.

The vandalised statue was later fished out and put on display in a museum.

– Additional reporting by the Associated Press