POLICE are asking Middlewich residents to help in identifying a large amount of property.

The appeal comes as police investigate the activities of two men who have been visiting houses in the Middlewich and Goostrey areas offering to buy antiques, furniture or jewellery.

As a result of their investigations so far, Congleton CID recovered a large amount of property from a van in Goostrey after arresting two men from the Portsmouth area.

One was charged with burglary and bailed, while another was released on police bail pending further enquiries.

A police spokesman said: "We're particularly interested in hearing from the elderly who may have been approached by people at the door.

"We think in some cases people have sold these items quite legitimately, others may have been coerced into selling their valuables for less than they are worth when they did not really want to."

Anyone who may be able to identify the property is asked to ring a confidential phone line on 01244 613545, leave a message and an officer will be in touch.