A Macclesfield museum was broken into this morning, with thieves stealing multiple artefacts.

The Silk Museum, which is ran by Macclesfield Museums, was also vandalised by the criminals.

The stolen items are related to Charles Tunnicliffe, the Langley-born painter, who spent his early life in Macclesfield before becoming a world-renowned artist.

"We are devastated to report the Silk Museum was broken into on Monday August 2 at around 5am," said the Museum.

"On top of the thieves creating a huge amount of damage to museum building, they have smashed our donations box and taken public donations as well as stealing two medals awarded to Charles Tunnicliffe OBE.

"The first item stolen was a Gold Medal awarded to Charles Tunnicliffe for his services to bird protection by the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds in 1975. Not in its box.

"His name is engraved on back with bird on the front."

"The other item stolen was an OBE - awarded to Charles Tunnicliffe for service to the arts in 1978.

"It is Gold metal, with a Red and grey edged ribbon. It is Engraved with 'for God and the Empire'.

"On the centenary year of Charles Tunnicliffe we find this a callous act and is a huge blow to the museum in what is already a difficult year.

"We hope they can be returned as soon as possible, if you have any information, please contact the Police."

Did you see or hear commotion at their premises on Park Lane? The Museum is seeking the help of the Macclesfield public to retrieve the missing items.

Macclesfield Nub News have contacted Cheshire Constabulary for comment.

It is a huge blow to the donation-ran museum, who were exhibiting items to celebrate Tunnicliffe ahead of what would have been his 120th birthday this December.

If you'd like to support the museum in this time of crisis, you can donate to them here.

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