POLICE are patrolling a historic castle after treasures worth more than £1 million stolen in a late-night raid.

"Irreplaceable" gold rosary beads carried by Mary Queen of Scots to her execution in 1587 were among the items stolen by thieves who broke into Arundel Castle.

Staff were alerted to the break-in at 10.30pm on Friday May 21, after a burglar alarm went off and police were scrambled to the scene.

Officers arrived within minutes but the priceless items were taken in the heist.

A 4×4 saloon car has since been burnt out and abandoned and is thought to have been involved in the raid.

Now, designated Sussex Police patrols are monitoring the historic site, which opened its doors to the public for the first time this year last week.

Writing on Twitter, a spokesman from Chichester Police said: "We are conducting a DPA (designated patrol activity) at Arundel Castle after their recent break in.

"If you do have any information regarding this burglary please call Sussex police and quote Operation Deuce."

Dating back to the 11th century, many of the castle’s original features, including the Norman keep, medieval gatehouse and barbican, remain today.

The library is 122ft long and entirely fitted in Honduras mahogany and the oldest printed book is the Augsburg Bible, 1477.

The Argus: Arundel Castle was subject to a late night breakArundel Castle was subject to a late night break

Like other attractions around Sussex, the castle was forced closed as a result of lockdown restrictions.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Police are seeking thieves who broke into Arundel Castle and stole gold and silver items worth in excess of £1m.

“At 10.30pm on Friday May 21 Castle staff were alerted of a break in after a burglar alarm had sounded.

“Police were on the scene within minutes.

“Various items have been stolen of great historical significance.

“These include the gold rosary beads carried by Mary Queen of Scots at her execution in 1587, several coronation cups given by the sovereign to the Earl Marshal of the day, and other gold and silver treasures.

“The rosary is of little intrinsic value as metal, but as piece of the Howard family history and the nation’s heritage it is irreplaceable.

“The items were taken by force from a display cabinet along the public route.

“Police are examining a 4×4 saloon which was found abandoned and on fire in nearby Barlavington a short while later, to establish whether it is connected to the burglary."