A £40,000 painting taken from a house in Pendle may have been stolen to order by an unscrupulous collector, according to the police.

Thieves broke into a house in Newchurch-in-Pendle and stole the painting of five cockerels in a barn by Edgar Hunt and a valuable piece of silverware. The 3ft x 2ft 6ins painting was in a gilt frame.

Neighbours heard the alarm system and alerted the police.

Detective Inspector Steve Brunskill, of Nelson CID, said: "We have contacts with dealers and details of the painting are being circulated so that if it comes up for sale or auction we can be alerted.

"Sadly some private collectors are a little unscrupulous about how they come across these paintings. It may have been stolen to order, although that is just speculation at the moment."

The Constabulary's specialist intelligence unit has also been informed and is helping local detectives.

"It is very unusual for something of this nature and value to be stolen," added Mr Brunskill. "Obviously the owners are very upset."

The break-in happened between 12.30pm and 1.30pm yesterday when the owners were out. Neighbours went to investigate after the alarm went off and found a door had been forced open.

Anyone with any information about the break-in or the whereabouts of the painting is asked to contact Nelson CID on 01282 472644.