THREE men are in custody after being arrested in connection with a high-value jewellery burglary at an auction house worth as much as £40,000.

The jewellery, worth between £30,000 and £40,000, was stolen from a cabinet at Merebrook Industrial Estate in Welland.

Malvern Gazette: STOLEN: This pocket watch has been reported stolen following a burglary in Welland STOLEN: This pocket watch has been reported stolen following a burglary in Welland (Image: West Mercia Police)

Investigations into the £40,000 jewellery burglary at the Merebrook auction house took a dramatic turn in the early hours with three arrests.

Three men were re-arrested this morning in Worcestershire in connection with the raid on July 6 as enquiries into the burglary continue in earnest.

Malvern Gazette: STOLEN: This item was reported stolen after a burglary in Welland STOLEN: This item was reported stolen after a burglary in Welland (Image: West Mercia Police)

Two men aged 51 and 52 are in custody on suspicion of the burglary and a third man, 46, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle.

Members of the Neighbourhood Crime Fighting Team, recently established to tackle the crimes that matter most to the community, carried out the arrests.

Access to the property was gained by forced entry into a back window before the items were taken from a cabinet in the auction house.

No property has so far been recovered in connection with the burglaries but active investigations are underway to locate the stolen jewellery.

Items reported missing include watches, pocket watches, rings, bracelets, medals and coins.

No interviews have yet taken place but could take place today in light of new evidence gleaned from ongoing investigations by West Mercia Police.