POLICE in York are trying to trace the owners of a massive haul of antiques, which they believe are stolen.

Detectives recovered thousands of pounds worth of antiques in the city during the course of an ongoing investigation.

More than 100 items were seized from a house in the city on November 11. The majority of them are pieces of antique silverware but some ceramics and colourful cameos are also included in the haul.

Investigating officer PC John Freer said: "We believe the items have been stolen but we do not know from where.

"Some of the items have been identified but with the majority we are still trying to locate the original owners."

A police spokesman said: "These items could have come from a number of different places and they could have been stolen from anywhere. We don't know if they have been stolen from properties in the York area."

Among the haul are antique coins, a solid silver cigar case, knives and forks, an ornate silver gravy boat and ladle and several decorative pill cases. There is also a small silver buckle with the letters "CHR" engraved on the front.

The items can be viewed at www.northyorkshire.police.uk Anyone who recognises any of the items is asked to contact PC John Freer at York Police on 01904 669441 or e-mail john.freer@northyorkshire.pnn.

police.uk Anyone who claims any of the items will need proof of ownership.

A 63-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the investigation. He is currently on police bail pending further inquiries.