A huge museum in Somerset housing the world's biggest helicopter collection has been burgled.
The unique Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare, popular with aviation enthusiasts, was targeted just before it closed down for the second lockdown.
Avon and Somerset Police has today (Wednesday, November 11) released an appeal, urging anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour to come forward.
The burglary happened at some point between Sunday, November 1 and Wednesday, November 4, and the burglars damaged the security fence while forcing entry.
The force's statement said: "Unknown offenders caused damage to perimeter fencing and forced entry to a number of containers.
"Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious in the area during these dates."
It is not thought that anything was stolen.
The museum lays claim to being home to the largest dedicated helicopter collection in the world.
It is currently the subject of a fundraising campaign, after losing an estimated £200,000 in revenue as a result of the first lockdown.
The GoFundMe page states: "The museum has taken steps to minimise all expenditure in an effort to ensure survival over the coming months.
"The collection of over 100 rotary-wing aircraft is being regularly security checked by local volunteers and the helipad is remaining open for military and parapublic flights, subject to prior notice."
According to a Facebook post from the museum last week, more than 9,000 people have visited the attraction since it reopened in July.
Police have asked anyone with information about the burglary to call 101, quoting crime reference number 5220249420, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
