Furniture taken in nine-hour raid

Thieves have stolen more than £80,000 worth of Indian furniture in a burglary that lasted up to nine hours.

Police said offenders cut through gates with blow torches and then drove into a secure compound at Indian Furniture Direct in Oldbury in the Black Country.

Once inside, they forced padlocks on five containers before returning later with two seven-and-a-half tonne lorries which they loaded up with furniture.

The items, described as "very heavy", were imported into the UK from India.

'Stored locally'

Among the goods stolen were entertainment centres, extendable bars, corner units, drawer sideboards and dining room tables.

The theft, which started at 1340 GMT and ended at 2240 GMT, took place on 26 October but the details have only just been released, West Midlands Police said.

Between three and five offenders are believed to have been involved.

Det Ch Tom Keady said it is thought the furniture is being stored locally.

Anyone with information or who witnessed the theft is asked to contact police.