BUNGLING thieves dropped a 17th century grandmother clock during a raid at a Hampshire house.

Two burglars fled the scene in Gardner’s Lane, East Wellow, when they heard the owner returning, leaving the clock damaged on the floor.

But they did escape with two German urns, four pink porcelain jugs with double handles, a porcelain wash basin and a set of gold sovereign weighing scales – all more than 200 years old.

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Police say the value of the antiques is unknown, only that they were of “high sentimental”

worth to the owners.

They have launched an appeal for information after two men were seen rushing from the scene, on Wednesday at 10.40am, in a silver saloon car in the direction of the A27.

They are both described as white, 6ft, in their 30s, of slim build and with short dark hair.

A police spokesman said: “All the items are of high sentimental value. We would ask anyone who knows the whereabouts of the property or who saw these men to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 045 4545.