A LARGE number of antique toy soldiers have been stolen from a shed in north Dorset.

The garden shed was broken into at French Mill Lane, Shaftesbury, sometime between Sunday, January 12, and Saturday, January 18.

Dorset Police Sergeant Tom Renshaw, who is investigating the theft of the lead figures, said: "We are continuing to make enquiries into this incident and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area during the relevant time frame to please contact us.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who has come across antique toy soldiers being offered for sale in unusual circumstances."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200009284.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.