Two charged over Fitzwilliam Museum art theft

12 of the hoard of rare Chinese artefacts has been stolen from Cambridge University (PA)

Two men have been charged over the theft of a hoard of Chinese art from a Cambridge museum.

The 18 jade items from the Ming and Qing dynasties were stolen in a raid on the Fitzwilliam Museum last month. Some estimates have placed their value at £18 million.

Cambridgeshire Police today said Patrick Kiely, 28, of Eleanor Street, east London, had been charged with theft and conspiracy to commit burglary.

A 15-year-old boy from London, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with the same offences.

Both will appear at Cambridge Magistrates Court today.

Detectives had originally said they were looking for at least four people in connection with the raid, which happened at about 7.30pm on April 13.

PA