BUNGLING crooks dropped a 17th century grandmother clock during a daytime antiques raid.

Two burglars fled from the scene in Gardner’s Lane, East Wellow, when they heard the owner returning, leaving the valuable longcase clock damaged on the floor.

But they did make off with two German urns, four pink porcelain jugs with double handles, a porcelain washbasin and a set of gold sovereign weighing scales – all more than 200 years old.

Police say the value of the antiques is unknown, only that they had a “high sentimental” worth to the owners.

And they have launched an appeal for information after two men were seen rushing from the scene, on Wednesday at 10.40am, in a silver saloon car in the direction of the A27.

They are described as white, 6ft tall, in their 30s with slim builds and short dark hair.

A police spokesman said: “All the items are of high personal value. We would ask anyone who knows the whereabouts of the property, or who saw these men during the incident to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 0454545.