Five stolen shotguns have still not been recovered more than five months after they were taken in a burglary.

The firearms, which were legally held, were stolen from inside a locked gun cabinet in the house in Feering Hill, Feering, between 12.45pm and 2pm on February 20.

The cabinet was ripped from its mountings and attacked with large tools and screwdrivers, causing considerable damage.

Once it was open, an AYA double-barrel shotgun and four single-barrel shotguns were stolen, but the ammunition was not found.

Police are still appealing for anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious in the area.

At the time of the theft, DC Nick Campbell said it was a “very distressing incident” for the owner and police officers were keen to recover the firearms as “a matter of priority”.

Anyone with information should call Essex Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.