AN AREA of wasteland has been dug up in the search for artefacts stolen from Arundel Castle.

More than £1 million worth of treasures were stolen by thieves in a late-night raid on May 21.

Among the stolen items were “irreplaceable" gold rosary beads carried by Mary Queen of Scots to her execution in 1587.

The Argus: Items stolen during the late-night raid on Arundel Castle Items stolen during the late-night raid on Arundel Castle

Police have taped off a property in Alvescot Road, near Carterton, West Oxfordshire, as they believe it may contain stolen items from the burglary.

The property was formerly known as The Ark and had previously been occupied by a roofing contractor.

This follows the arrest of a 45-year-old man at an address in Eckington, Worcestershire, on Tuesday morning.

Specialist search officers from Sussex Police and detection equipment have been used as part of the joint operation with Gloucestershire Constabulary, West Mercia Police and Thames Valley Police.

Six other men were also arrested and will be interviewed in relation to alleged burglary, assault and drugs offences - all unrelated to the burglary.

The Argus: Cannabis plants discovered by officers during the execution of a number of warrants in search of the stolen artefactsCannabis plants discovered by officers during the execution of a number of warrants in search of the stolen artefacts

Insurers have offered a substantial reward should any of the stolen goods be recovered intact.

Detective Inspector Alan Pack, of Sussex Police, said the investigation remained live and this action marked a significant step in the enquiries.

Staff were alerted to the break-in at 10.30pm on May 21 after a burglar alarm went off. Police arrived within minutes.

A 4×4 saloon car was found burnt out and abandoned nearby and is thought to have been involved in the raid.

A collection of valuable items of irreplaceable historical significance were taken.

The collection, valued at more than £1million, comprised;

Mary Queen of Scots' rosary beads.

Seven gold/silver-gilt coronation cups (George II, George III, George IV, William IV, George V, George VI and Elizabeth II).

Gold Earl Marshal’s baton.

Gold and enamel baton.

Other miscellaneous items including ten silver-gilt apostle spoons, a silver-gilt casket with hunting and fishing scenes, and a silver-gilt mug.

Detective Inspector Pack said: "I would encourage anyone with further information about this burglary to contact us, and also remind people that the insurers have offered a substantial reward should any of the property be recovered intact.

“You can also contact us either online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Deuce.

“We are very grateful for the co-operation of West Mercia, Gloucestershire and Thames Valley Police whose assistance demonstrates how together we will take action to seek to disrupt criminality of all kinds."