seizing goods they suspect were stolen.

Sgt. Roseanda Jones confirmed two items were seized by Police from the Hammers annual Christmas auction on Saturday at No. 6 Shed on Front Street.

The items were the subject of a theft investigation and Police had been acting on certain information, Sgt. Jones said.

It is understood the items were two valuable paintings.

Hammers auctioneer Ms Andrea Casling declined to discuss the circumstances, saying only, "It was a major misunderstanding.'' Fine furniture including Bermuda cedar goods, silver and other collectables were auctioned off.

The star attraction, a rare antique Bermuda cedar highboy circa 1750 failed to sell. It did not reach its holding price and Ms Casling said her auction house was currently negotiating a price privately.

A few months ago, Police attended an auction conducted by Circa Auctions in Pembroke and seized some allegedly stolen goods. They were believed to have been Bermuda cedar items.

Circa auctioneer Mr. Stephen Lusher declined to comment.

Sgt. Jones said that it was common for owners of stolen valuables to attend auction previews to see if their items had wound up for sale. If they did see their property they called the Police, she said.