THE burglars who stole a gold toilet from Blenheim Palace could have been behind a raid on another stately home.

On Saturday morning a gold toilet worth almost £5m was stolen from Blenheim Palace.

Crooks ripped out the 18-carat fully functioning artwork from the ground after breaking into the palace in the early hours of the morning.

It happened just two days after the million pound creation by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan went on display.

Read more about the toilet theft

It has now emerged that just days earlier priceless heirlooms were stolen from another stately home in Gloucestershire, just over 30 miles away.

Thieves broke into Sudeley Castle, smashed a display case and stole valuable jewellery and artefacts before making off in a 4X4.

A personalised Cartier watch and gold box with Edward III set in diamonds were among the expensive items stolen.

The force, which has CCTV of the suspects carrying a sledgehammer with chairs and a large bag, appealed for witnesses to the burglary 'which happened under the cover of darkness', adding: "Clearly the stolen items are very distinctive and have a great deal of historical, as well as financial, value."

It has been widely reported that Gloucestershire police said they were 'open minded' when it came to linking the burglary to other high end heists like the one at Blenheim.

According to other papers, Gloucestershire police said: “We remain open minded about who may be involved and links to other high value burglaries."

Thames Valley Police said they could not rule out the involvement of a gang.

A 66-year-old man was arrested on Saturday and police were given more time to question him before letting him go on bail.

Another 36-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday has also been bailed.