DETECTIVES are investigating the theft of a 200-year-old barometer from a cottage in North Yorkshire.

The antique stick barometer was taken from a property in West Tanfield, near Ripon, and is valued at £30,000.

It is 40 inches tall and made from mahogany.

Detective Constable Karl Middlemiss, of Northallerton CID, said: “I am particularly interested in hearing from anybody in the antiques trade who may have been offered the item.”

The barometer is an early example of the work of John Russell, who was watchmaker to the Prince Regent in 1811.