Valuable stuffed animals including a lion, a giraffe, and a chimpanzee in a top hat, have been stolen, the Metropolitan Police has said.

The animals, said to be worth £100,000 were taken from a taxidermy warehouse in Wandsworth on Tuesday, March 1 between 7.20pm and 7.41pm.

According to police, the thieves arrived in a Luton van with a grey cab and white body and used angle grinders to force their way in. They then took antiques, including a globe as well as the 18 stuffed animals.

Detective Constable Edward Bird is leading the investigation.

He said: "This was not a random crime, the burglars had came prepared and well equipped.

"This was a criminal enterprise and these thieves need to be stopped before they commit further crimes.

"The items they stole are of high value and are very distinctive.

"I am appealing for anyone with information to contact police, in particular I would ask anyone who deals in such animals to be on the look-out and contact police immediately if you are offered any of the stolen items."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101. Please quote reference 304644/16.

You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you do not want to give your name.