POLICE are appealing to anyone who may have been offered a miniature violin for sale to contact them.

The violin has distinctive detail including a carved face where the finger board meets the body.

It was stolen from a house in Hovingham and police believe it could have changed hands a number of times.

They are appealing to antique, music and collectables dealers who may have seen the violin, been offered it for sale, or know where it is now, to contact them.

Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for Malton CID.