Lord and Lady March attacked and bound by robber who stole heirlooms worth £700k from Goodwood House

The owners of stately home Goodwood House were attacked and tied up by a robber who stole more than £700,000 worth of heirlooms including a diamond ring that Charles II gave to his mistress, police said.

Lord March was struck over the head during the robbery, while his wife Lady March was forced to open the safe at their 17th century stately home in the early hours of the morning. The couple were then bound before the robber made his escape.

The couple were found two hours later by a member of staff when he arrived at work, who then alerted the police.

West Sussex Police said the couple had been left "devastated" at the theft of "irreplaceable" items, following the robbery at the house near Chichester, West Sussex, which hosts the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival events.

They have launched a nationwide appeal for information and to trace the stolen jewellery.

Police said the intruder broke in after scaling a ladder to an upstairs window around 4.30am on Wednesday.

More than 40 items were stolen, among them an 1820 diamond tiara worth nearly £400,000.

Another item taken was an emerald intaglio and diamond ring from 1800, engraved with the Duchess's coronet and monogram CL for Louise de Keroualle, mistress of Charles II.

Diamond necklaces and several luxury watches, including antique Rolex and Girard Perregaux timepieces, were also taken.

Investigators were working with auction houses, stately homes, dealers and those with specialist knowledge to try to trace the heirlooms.

A 26-year-old man from Hampshire has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and has been bailed until February while investigations continue.