TWO valuable French antique chairs were stolen from a Stockbridge art gallery.

Police think two men forced their way into The Bakhtiyer Gallery through a window at the front of the High Street shop.

They took the two cream chairs, which had flower tapestry seats and are valued at £3,500, from inside.

Officers think the men left in a 4x4 vehicle and headed towards Salisbury on the A30.

Gallery owner, Masoud Mazaheri-Asadi, said the High Street's CCTV system showed the break-in clearly.

"The glass is quite thick so they didn't really break it, they just shattered it, but the frame in the end gave way and fell into the gallery.

"They walked in very quickly and took the pair of French chairs, which are circa 1850 and worth £3,500," he said.

He said it pained him to have any of his antiques stolen.

Mr Mazaheri-Asadi added: "Stockbridge is a lovely place with wonderful galleries and we want to be able to give people nice antiques, it's a shame some idiots like this have to spoil it."

PC Aaron Sawyer, of Andover police station, said: "The thieves were selective and took only two items of high value.

"Police are interested in any vehicles or people that may have been seen in suspicious circumstances in the days leading up to the incident."

Any witnesses to the break-in, which happened at about 12.40am on August 20, are asked to contact PC Sawyer at Andover police station on 0845 045 45 45, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.