Police are continuing to hunt a burglar who smashed their way into a grade II listed building and ruined valuable paintings in an act of “wanton vandalism”.
Eye Town Hall in Broad Street had just undergone a major refurbishment when the break-in happened over the Easter weekend between midnight on March 30 and 9.30am on April 2.
A vandal forced their way into the building by smashing the clock tower window and tore holes in four priceless 19th century oil paintings.
The paintings’ subjects included Samuel Peck, who was Eye’s mayor when the hall was built; Sir Edward Kerrison, who fought in the Battle of Waterloo and helped fund the town hall; and Lord Cornwallis, a former Eye MP.
The culprit also damaged antique furniture by setting off a fire extinguisher, but nothing was believed to have been stolen.
Officers from Suffolk Constabulary are continuing to investigate the crime.
They have released fresh CCTV images of a man they want to speak to who was captured on camera outside the town hall on April 1 at 9.40pm and leaving the area at around 10.50pm.
Pc Daniel Peck, of the Eye Safer Neighbour Team, said: “We have received a number of calls from members of the public who have provided us with valuable information but I would urge anyone else who may know anything about this incident to call us.
“This crime has had a significant impact on the local community and the cost of repair is likely to be a substantial amount.”
Pc Peck said police were issuing the new photos in the hope someone might able to identify the logo on the man’s jacket, or the make and style of the footwear he was wearing.
Eye mayor Mick Robins said he pleased to see police were still pursuing the case.
When asked about the impact the burglary had on the community, Mr Robins said: “I think people were very upset and angry – I was.
“It was just damage so that was the problem for police to track him down because nothing was stolen or sold on.
“There was no reason to it. It was just wanton vandalism.”
Anyone with information that could help with the inquiry should call Suffolk Constabulary on 101, quoting crime reference 17763/18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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