An auction at Chippenham Auction Rooms had to be cancelled on Saturday after a burglary overnight.

Offenders got in through the roof and left the auction room in a mess after rummaging through lots and taking items including gold and silver valuables.

Police were contacted shortly after 7.30am on Saturday to say there had a break-in at the auction rooms on Ivy Lane some time after 6pm on the Friday.

Visitors who turned up hoping for the monthly antiques and collectables auction that morning had to be turned away at the car park.

This event, which usually features a range of Georgian, Victorian and later furniture, glassware, ceramics, jewellery, silver and paintings, has been rescheduled for 10am this Saturday, November 16.

Owner Richard Edmonds said: “We are just trying to calculate the value of what was taken now. They took the tiles off the roof and smashed their way in.

“We’ve had some lovely messages off well-wishers. It is gut-wrenching when you find out you’ve been broken into, something you have worked towards. It’s not as bad as your home but it’s still pretty nasty.”

The roof has now been repaired.

Police inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A valuation of toys is going ahead as planned tomorrow, Tuesday November 12. A team of specialists will be on hand from 10am to 1pm to offer free verbal appraisals on toys including Dinky, Corgi, train sets, dolls and teddy bears, as well as early advertising including enamel signs, stamps, coins and postcards.