police are asking householders in the Bussage area whose underwear may have been stolen in recent weeks to come forward.

The appeal comes after the arrest of a local man on suspicion of burglary and theft on June 27. The 20-year-old has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

During the investigation Gloucestershire police discovered some 15-20 unidentified pairs of knickers and a handful of bras at an address.

To help the inquiry and to return to items to their rightful owners officers are asking anyone who believes their underwear could have been taken to contact them.

DC Bee Morris, of Cirencester CID, explained: “The main aim of the appeal is to try to find the owners and return these items. People may not have given it much thought, believing the dog has got hold of them or they have been lost.

“We need to determine whether or not these items have been taken from people’s homes.”

Anyone who would like to report missing items of clothing should call Gloucestershire Police on 0845 090 1234 quoting incident No. 146 of June 27. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.