Police tonight appealed for witnesses after a burglary at a house in Chinnor, where three shotguns were stolen.

Between 8.15am and 4.30pm on Tuesday, thieves broke into the house in Hill Top Lane and removed a gun safe containing the three guns, and another safe which contained a substantial amount of cash.

The guns were a Lanber 124 over and under shotgun worth £700, a Browning 12G pump action shotgun worth £300, and a Spanish box look 12G side by side worth £100.

Both safes were later found dumped in a bridleway off of Icknield Way Path, known locally as Bedlows Dump, in Princes Risborough.

PC Ian D’Angeli said: “A white van was seen around the time of the burglary, being driven by a white man.

“We have also had reports of a white man walking a golden-coloured Labrador dog in the area on the morning the burglary took place.

“I am very keen to speak to these people to rule them out of our investigation.

"We take offences of this kind very seriously and we are following all lines of enquiry to recovering the stolen property and catch those responsible.

“We would be keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of the break-in and I would urge them to contact me as soon as possible.

“Also, if you are offered guns like these for sale, we want to hear from you.”

Anyone with information should contact PC D’Angeli via the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 0845 8 505 505, or contact the Crimestopper charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.