Arundel Castle: Man arrested over theft of 'irreplaceable' items worth more than £1 million

A man has been arrested in connection with a burglary at Arundel Castle in West Sussex. 

Items valued at more than £1 million, including a set of rosary beads worn by Mary Queen of Scots, were stolen in May.

A 45-year-old man was arrested in Worcestershire on Tuesday morning (21/09) and is being questioned by detectives.

He was arrested as part of a joint operation between Sussex Police, West Mercia, Gloucestershire and Thames Valley Police.

Eight warrants were executed by Sussex officers at addresses in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire and six other men were arrested, in matters unrelated to the burglary.

Police have said specialist search officers and detection equipment are involved in the investigation.

The collection, valued at more than £1 million, was stolen from Arundel Castle in May Credit: Sussex Police

The collection of irreplaceable items that were stolen include:

  • Mary Queen of Scots Rosary Beads;

  • Seven gold / silver-gilt coronation cups (George II, George III, George IV, William IV, George V, George VI and Elizabeth II);

  • Gold Earl Marshal’s baton;

  • Gold and enamel baton;

  • 10 silver-gilt Apostle Spoons, a silver-gilt casket with hunting and fishing scenes, and a silver-gilt mug.

Sussex Police released photos of two ladders in June, used by thieves who broke in and stole the items Credit: Sussex Police

Detective Inspector Alan Pack of Sussex Police said: "Our investigation into the Arundel Castle burglary remains live and this action marks a significant step in our enquiries.

"I would encourage anyone with further information about this burglary to contact us, and also remind people that the insurers have offered a substantial reward should any of the property be recovered intact."

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