DETECTIVES investigating an aggravated burglary at a property in Somerset 2009 have renewed their appeal for witnesses.

Valuable paintings and jewellery were taken from the property in the Bruton area in March 2009.

Fifteen well-known and valuable paintings, expensive jewellery and silverware (including a silver canteen of cutlery, ornate mirror and pair of silver candelabra), were taken during the burglary.

They were together valued at around £2.5m.

The jewellery and the silverware have great sentimental value to the owner.

During the burglary, a woman who was housesitting for the owners at the time was tied up and left in the property overnight until she was found the following morning.

Following a complex and detailed investigation led by Avon and Somerset detectives, 11 men have been arrested in connection with the burglary.

The 11  remain on police bail, pending further investigations.

The latest arrest was a 42-year-old man from the Small Heath area of Birmingham.

He was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud and conspiracy to handle criminal property.

Previously arrests have been made in the Gloucestershire, West Midlands, London and South East areas in connection with the burglary eight years ago.

All but one of the 15 paintings taken, have been recovered. The outstanding painting is Sir John Lavery’s “After Glow Taplow.”

Avon and Somerset Police would like to hear from jewellers, owners of antique and second-hand shops, who may have been offered the jewellery and silverware (pictured).

Anyone able to help is asked to call the Operation Shine investigative team via 101, quoting reference Op Shine 3559609.