OXFORD.- At around 11pm yesterday (14/3) offenders broke into Christ Church Picture Gallery in St Aldates.

Three high value paintings were stolen in the burglary:

• Salvator Rosa, 'A Rocky Coast, with Soldiers Studying a Plan,' late 1640s.

• Antony Van Dyck, 'A Soldier on Horseback,' c. 1616.

• Annibale Carracci, 'A Boy Drinking,' c. 1580.

No-one was injured during the burglary.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Jon Capps, said: “The paintings which have been stolen are very high value pieces dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

“The artwork has not yet been recovered but a thorough investigation is underway to find it and bring those responsible to justice.

“There will be an increased police presence in the area while officer and staff carry out enquiries.

“If you saw or heard anything suspicious in the area last night, please get in touch.

“Also if you have any CCTV or other footage around the area that you think could help with the investigation, please share them with us.

“You can get in touch by calling the non-emergency number 101, or making a report online using the reference 43200087031.

“If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”