TWELVE men have been charged in connection with a burglary at the Somerset home of members of the Bulmers cider family – where millions of pounds worth of jewellery and artwork was stolen.

The break-in happened at the home of Esmond and Susie Bulmer in Bruton, Somerset, in March 2009 when 15 well-known and valuable paintings, expensive jewellery and silverware were taken.

The items taken were valued at around £2.5million. All but one of the 15 paintings taken have been recovered. The outstanding painting is Sir John Lavery’s ‘After Glow Taplow’.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary said this week that a series of arrests had been made in the West Midlands, Gloucestershire, London and Surrey. The 12 men charged are due to appear before Bristol Magistrates in August.