BIRMINGHAM, England

British police are appealing for information after more than 600 artefacts were stolen in a high-value burglary involving a historic museum collection.

In a statement released on Thursday, Avon and Somerset Police said four unidentified men broke into a building on Cumberland Road, Bristol in the early hours of Sept. 25.

The site housed items from the Bristol Museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collection, a significant archive that includes donations reflecting complex chapters of British history.

The police have released CCTV images of four individuals they want to speak to and say each has been described in detail to assist the public in recognizing them.

Detective Constable Dan Burgan, the investigating officer, said the loss represents a major cultural blow for the city.

“These items carry significant cultural value and form part of a collection that provides insight into a multi-layered part of British history,” Burgan said. “We are hoping members of the public can help us bring those responsible to justice.”

Investigators have so far conducted extensive CCTV reviews, forensic examinations and work with the victims. Officers are urging anyone who recognizes the men in the released images, or who has seen any of the stolen items being sold online, to call police emergency lines.