Burglars stole precious artefacts worth about £10,000 when they broke into one of Sussex's most fabulous Elizabethan mansions.

Police believe intruders used a ladder to climb through an upstairs window at Glynde Place, near Lewes.

A Louis XVI clock worth £7,000 was stolen plus a pair of matching gold and white vases worth £3,000.

Glynde Place's owners open the magnificent property to the public during the summer.

Weddings used to be held there and it is also a popular attraction for tourists from across the world.

It houses a collection of 18th Century Italian masterpieces and fine pieces of furniture and objects.

The mansion, built in 1589 and with dragon statues guarding its entrance, is regarded as one of Sussex's most exquisite properties.

Police are urging antique dealers and auctioneers across the county to be wary in case the rare stolen items come up for sale.

The clock is gold and white with a drum flanked by seated black figures reading on a bow-ended base measuring 25in wide.

The vases were 12in high.

Anyone with information should call PC Neil Stepney at Lewes police station on 0845 6070999 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.