Apple Blossom by Sir George Clausen

Police are hunting three callous thieves who forced their way into a house before tying up a woman and stealing 15 rare paintings - worth £2 million.

The terrified homeowner was bound and gagged by the masked men who then raided the home in Redlynch Somerset at 10pm on Friday.

They loaded the valuable paintings, which included 'En Dymion' by George Frederick Watts and 'Apple Blossom' by Clausen, in the boot of a green Mercedes 220 before escaping.

Antiques and a safe containing jewellery was also taken.

The 47-year-old remained tied up until neighbours found her at 4pm the following day.

Avon and Somerset Police said she suffered bruising and has been left 'extremely shaken and distressed' by the raid.

Detective Inspector Jim Bigger said: 'I am appealing for anyone with any information about this incident, or the whereabouts of the property, or anyone who has recently been offered a high-value painting in suspicious circumstances to please come forward.

'The size of the some of the items, and amount of property, stolen would suggest that a van or some other fairly sizeable vehicle would have been used.

'It would also appear, at this stage, that this was a pre-planned targeted attack, and I want to hear from anyone in the Burton area who may have seen a vehicle or people in suspicious circumstances in that area over the past few weeks.

'Homeowners, particularly those with items of considerable value, should regularly review their home security arrangements, to at least deter, if not prevent, incidents of this kind from taking place.'