Ipswich councillor's shock at Belstead House break in

Damage was caused to Belstead House near Ipswich over the weekend after intruders broke-in.

Valuable books, artwork, dining ware, windows and window frames were damaged by intruders, with the damage estimated to total hundreds of thousands of pounds according to Suffolk police.

In the wake of the damage, Suffolk County Councillor Christopher Hudson, whose electoral division is Belstead, called for a "zero tolerance policy" towards break-ins.

He said: "I am shocked and appalled to learn of this heinous crime against an innocent victim's home.

Suffolk County Councillor Christopher Hudson (Image: Suffolk County Council)

"Something must be done urgently to arrest and punish those responsible for these mindless acts."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the break-in, which took place at Belstead House between 4pm on Friday, May 31 and 7.45am on Monday, June 3.

Mr Hudson continued: "We need a zero tolerance policy.

"We really need to drop on these people like a ton of bricks, stop them, and give them sentences that would deter anyone else in the future from committing such crimes.

Belstead House before it closed (Image: Newsquest)

"Sometimes there isn't enough emphasis given to the damage that can happen when your property is absolutely ruined, so a zero tolerance policy needs underlining and is something I have raised briefly before."

Plans to renovate Belstead House were submitted to and approved by Babergh District Council 10 years ago.

The historic house is currently undergoing renovations and is part of a major redevelopment in the area, with 155 homes being built also.

Belstead House, which used to be the home of Suffolk County Council, is being converted into four large homes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Suffolk police quoting crime reference 37/30765/24.