THESE are some of the limited edition figures stolen in a raid on Wedgwood's factory.

Thieves broke into the site on Friday afternoon and stole more than 100 items worth £180,000.

The items including valuable limited edition figurines, including a prototype Samurai Warrior which is the only one in existence. Many of the pieces stolen were unfinished.

Wedgwood spokesman Andrew Stanistreet said: "The theft took place on Friday afternoon. A number of high-value Royal Doulton prestige items were stolen, along with a number of figurines.

"Virtually all the prestige items are limited edition and are individually instantly recognisable. Many have missing items of decoration or are unfinished. The Samurai Warrior figure taken is the only one in existence.

"There were also 74 Welsh lady figurines stolen, half of which have no harps.

"Police are investigating and scenes of crime officers have visited the scene."

The Samurai Warrior figure is worth £12,500, as is Henry V. The Charge Of The Light Brigade is worth £11,500, while the Pony Express and Lawrence Of Arabia would be priced at £10,000 each.

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The Samurai Warrior

Lawrence of Arabia

The Light Brigade

The Pony Express

Henry V

Jack Point Jester

Detectives at Stoke-on-Trent CID are now investigating the burglary. The theft took place between 3pm and 5pm on Friday, and police want anyone who may have seen suspicious activity near the factory – or who may have been offered the figures for sale – to contact them. The figures were taken from the prestige section of the factory.

A spokesman said: "Scenes of crime officers have been to the factory and carried out a detailed examination of the scene, and officers are looking at CCTV footage from the area.

"We have taken statements from staff from the site, and officers are working with a number of staff to build up a picture of exactly what happened.

"The theft took place in broad daylight so someone could have seen something significant. We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time. They may have seen some suspicious activity or a suspicious vehicle.

"Many of the pieces stolen are limited edition so they are easily identifiable. If anyone is offered the pottery figures in suspicious circumstances, or at a knockdown price, we would ask them to contact us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information about the burglary should contact Stoke-on-Trent CID on 01785 233034 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.