Works by Chaucer, Shakespeare Stolen From English School

DURHAM, England —  Centuries-old manuscripts and books, including works by William Shakespeare and Geoffrey Chaucer, are missing from a university library in northern England.

The two manuscripts and five books, worth more than $400,000, were taken from a glass-topped display case at Durham University’s library, police said Friday.

The theft was discovered Thursday. Police said the items may have been stolen during open hours because the library did not appear to have been broken into.

“We are shocked and distressed by the theft,” said university spokesman Keith Seacroft. “The manuscripts and books are a unique and irreplaceable part of the region’s heritage. It would be virtually impossible to sell them to legitimate buyers.”