West Midlands men arrested in connection with burglary of artwork and jewellery from former Kidderminster MP
Two men from the West Midlands were among seven arrested in connection with a burglary at a former Kidderminster MP's home in which millions of pounds worth of artwork and antique jewellery was stolen.
The raid was at the palatial home of Esmond and Susie Bulmer, members of the Bulmers cider family, in Bruton, Somerset, in 2009.
During the incident, the couple's housekeeper was allegedly tied up against bannisters while £1.7million worth of paintings and £1 million of antique jewellery was taken.
A total of 15 paintings were stolen, including the famous Endymion by 19th century English painter George Frederic Watts and Apple Blossom by early 20th century English artist Sir George Clausen.
Avon and Somerset Police said the seven men including a 58-year-old and a 63-year-old from the West Midlands who were arrested yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud.
Mr Bulmer was Conservative MP for Kidderminster from 1974 to 1983. He was MP for Wyre Forest from 1983 until the general election of 1987 when he stepped down.
The art collector and his family made £84 million when they sold their stake in the family's Hereford-based cider-making business.
Bulmers was founded in 1887 by Percy Bulmer, the 20-year-old son of a local Hereford clergyman.
