A COLLECTION of antique swords, worth about £3,000, were stolen from a house in Burnley.

A total of 13 historic weapons, some dating back hundreds of years, were taken during the raid at the property in Scarlett Street.

A sabre and two infantry parade swords, dating from about 1800, were stolen, along with a heavy calabre sword, a 1913 cavalry sword, a British Wilkinson sword from the First World War, a French cutlass, and six Gurkha blades.

A police spokesman said: “We were called to the property at around 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 23 after reports of a burglary.

“The offenders made their way into the house through a cellar window and conducted an untidy search of all rooms in the premises.

“They have taken some antique swords and some personal documents.”

Officers said the burglary happened between May 18 and 23, and are appealing for any witnesses, or anybody with information, to come forward.

The spokesman added: “Anyone with information can contact Burnley Police Station on 01282 425001, or Crimestoppers anony-mously on 0800 555 111.”