A man has been arrested after more than 600 artifacts were stolen from a museum’s collection.

Avon and Somerset Police said a 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and later released following investigation.

Police are investigating a robbery that took place on September 25 last year at the building housing Bristol Museum’s British Empire and Commonwealth collections.

The force believes four men entered the property in the city’s Cumberland Road area between 1am and 2am.

Police said the removed artifacts had “significant cultural value”.

These include medals, badges, pins, jewellery, ivory carvings, silverware, bronze figurines and other ornaments.

A police spokesperson said: “We continue to appeal for the public’s help in identifying the four men pictured and have released two short video clips of those who wish to speak.”

Bristol City Council has released images of some of the items following the robbery.

This collection aims to represent Britain’s connections with countries within the British Empire, dating back to the 19th century.

Officer Dan Bergan added that the theft of historical items was a “significant loss to the city.”

He continued: “Many of these items have been donated and form part of a collection that provides insight into a multi-layered part of Britain’s history, and we hope the public will help us bring those responsible to justice.”

Philip Walker, head of culture and creative industries at Bristol City Council, said: “We are deeply saddened by the theft of these artefacts, which form part of a vast collection from across the British Empire and Commonwealth.

“These artefacts were part of a collection documenting Britain’s links with countries that were once part of the British Empire from the late 18th century to the late 20th century.

“This collection is culturally important to many countries and provides valuable records and insight into the lives of those involved in and affected by the British Empire.”

Security at the facility has been stepped up following the theft incident.

Police described the four men they are trying to identify as white.

One person was described as being of medium build and stocky build, wearing a white hat, black jacket, light-colored pants, and black sweatshirts.

The second man is described as having a thin build and was wearing a gray hooded jacket, black pants, and a black sweatshirt.

The third man was wearing a green hat, black jacket, light-colored shorts, and white sweatshirts, and appeared to be walking with a slight limp on his right leg.

The fourth man was described as a large man wearing a two-tone orange and navy/black padded jacket, black pants, and a black and white sweatshirt.

Images released by Avon and Somerset Police show the men walking down the street at night.